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RCMP Heritage Centre pushes to become Canada’s 10th national museum
The Regina-based centre, which draws tens of thousands of visitors each year to learn about RCMP history, is seeking national museum status. Sam Karikas says the designation could nearly triple its annual operating support, from about $3.5 million to nearly $10 million.
The RCMP Heritage Centre is already an international destination, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year to learn about the RCMP’s history. Sam Karikas sees the Regina-based centre as a place to recognize part of Canada’s intricate past. Despite its reputation among history enthusiasts, it is not recognized as a national museum.
Canada has nine official national museums: seven in the Ottawa area, the Immigration Museum at Pier 21 in Halifax, and the Human Rights Museum in Winnipeg. Backed by petitions and surveys with support from more than 10,000 Canadians, the centre is going to the capital to push to become the 10th.
Karikas said national designation could raise the centre’s annual operating support from about $3.5 million to nearly $10 million, significantly expanding its programming and reach. “We are—we’re ready to expand … because we have done all the planning and have done all the thinking,” he said.
The centre has been included in federal budget commitments and ministerial documents dating back to 2019. Federal representatives are working with its CEO to move toward national museum designation. “We just need one person to make the decision,” Karikas said.