The province is moving to modernize the Nova Scotia Museum system and will close 12 of its 28 sites.
In a statement, the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage says low attendance and the high cost of maintaining such a large network are driving the decision.
The Houston government says the goal is to focus resources on museums that serve more visitors.
But Official Opposition Leader Claudia Chender says the closures will hurt communities.
“There are going to be a lot of difficult conversations around dinner tables. And for all those folks to know that the ministers’ offices are getting a budget boost, is galling,” said the NDP leader.
The province says it will work with communities on future uses for the buildings, and collections will be handled according to established museum standards and policies.
Councillor upset with Colchester museum closure
Councillor for Colchester District 7 Sherry Martell says they were fortunate to have two museums nearby for a while.
But hearing the news that the Sutherland Steam Mill is closing was shocking and disappointing.
“It’s unfortunate that sometimes we don’t truly feel or understand the value of something until we lose it,” says Martell
She adds that is why you need to use the museum if you value it.
Barrington Museum Complex ‘devastated’ by Woolen Mill closure
The Barrington Woolen Mill is one of the 12 museums that will be closed.
In a statement, the Barrington Museum Complex says they’re devastated by the decision.
They say the Woolen Mill is one of Southwest Nova Scotia’s most significant industrial heritage sites.
The complex adds there’s a 20 percent decrease in operating grants for the Old Meeting House and Seal Island Light museums.
They call the province’s cuts ‘drastic’.
