UPDATE: Entomica, Bushplane ink one-year deal to help insectarium 'refocus'

Although the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre and Entomica Insectarium share a roof and have entered into a new management agreement, the two organizations are still separate but will be working more closely together during a one-year trial period.

Jamie Hilsinger, executive director of the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre (CBHC), said the management agreement was put in place on June 1 to help Entomica overcome operational challenges, and improve resource sharing and revenue-generation opportunities.

"I think it's just a really positive opportunity for both organizations to work together and continue to grow,” said Hilsinger on Wednesday, shortly after the agreement was announced. 

Entomica moved into the hangar at the CBHC in March 2020 and was in operation for only nine days before it was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in place at the time.

John Dedes, president of the Entomica board of directors, said without stable government funding in place, the attraction had to reinvent itself by taking its insects and other exotic animals on the road.

"We started virtual teaching programs and ended up doing 250 schools across all of Ontario. We started doing developing a whole community outreach portion to Entomica so that we could bring fun and games and do stuff outside with the kids,” said Dedes. "Then we were going to senior homes and a traveling to other cities Science North hired us to be part of their roadshow program that help with us survive.”

In October, Dedes stood in front of Sault Ste. Marie City Council asking for $137,276 in annual funding from the city to help Entomica to survive, but when budget time came around the organization was left without stable, continued support from the city. 

“There isn't a single cultural organization in this town that isn't receiving municipal funding — the Library, the Art Gallery, the Old Stone House, the Museum and the Bushplane Museum — they were grandfather clause in years ago to receive continuous annual funding,” said Deeds on Wednesday. 

Other not-for-profit organizations like Harvest Algoma and the Sault YMCA have also faced challenges in a post-pandemic Sault Ste. Marie.

With the agreement announced Wednesday, the CBHC will oversee some of the operations aspects of Entomica, while the insectarium will continue to focus on its programming. The agreement will be in place for one year, with a possibility of continuing indefinitely.

“We have established an agreement for a year with the intent of continuing on as a way for both organizations to kind of feel out how it's going to work, because it is new for both of us,” said Hilsinger. “Entomica will still be its own entity and have its own board of directors. It's not becoming part of the Bushplane, it’s just a much closer and more aligned relationship.”

Hilsinger said there is no money changing hands as part of the announcement, but there is a possibility that future grants and other funding sources may be shared between the two organizations.

”What there is is the opportunity to work together to generate different revenues,” said Hilsinger. ”It is an opportunity for us to work together and potentially grow that revenue stream.”

Dedes noted that Entomica is celebrating its tenth year in operation and on June 27 it will celebrate a come-and-go fundraiser at the Tap Room between 6 and 9 p.m.

Original story can be seen below:

Entomica Insectarium and the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre are forming a closer bond to help the insectarium stay viable.

The two organizations say they have entered into a management agreement that will help Entomica "refocus" on the educational aspects of its operation.

Find more details in the following news release:

Entomica Insectarium and the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre (CBHC) entered into a one-year management agreement June 1, 2024.

The new agreement was established to help Entomica overcome operational challenges, and improve resource sharing and revenue-generation opportunities.

The natural history museum fought to remain financially viable among a location change, followed by the pandemic and staffing difficulties.

“This agreement will help Entomica breathe and refocus our energies on what we do best – educate the public about insects and creatures through hands-on interaction”, said John Dedes, president of the Entomica board of directors.

While Entomica remains a separate non-profit organization, the agreement will allow for a stronger partnership between the CBHC and the insectarium.

“By entering into this agreement, both organizations can align business practices and improve consistency of product and availability,” announced Jamie Hilsinger, executive director of the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre.

“Our partnership will help us reduce friction, while improving opportunities and possibilities for both organizations and the community.”

The agreement comes as Entomica celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2024.

Dedes says he’s excited to see what the next 10 years will bring for Entomica. The organization’s director is already working on new ideas and initiatives to share the love of bugs with the community.

The community can support Entomica and their education initiatives by:

• Visiting the CBHC and Entomica. Revenue from the Adventure Pass supports both organizations.
• Booking Entomica for your next event. Entomica will bring their buggy interaction and education to your private or community event.
• Making a Donation. Donations help Entomica buy supplies and develop new educational experiences.
• Adopting a Bug. Bug and reptile adoption makes a unique gift for the animal-lover. The proceeds support the animal’s care and upkeep.