The canoe has been an enduring presence in the peoples’ experience of this land. It has become a timeless and evocative symbol of Canadian history and culture, of Aboriginal ingenuity and adaptability, and of an environmentally sustainable approach to life. With over 600 canoes and kayaks – the largest collection in the world - The Canadian Canoe Museum, in Peterborough Ontario, is a National museum phenomena.
Working closely with the Museum staff and directors, Commonwealth led a team of consultants to conceptualize the visitor experience, through three phases of development. The project included reconfiguring the Museum’s well-developed interpretive goals and objectives into an overall interpretive plan and storyline, developing a master-plan for the 8-acre urban site and 140,000 square feet of building and integrating the proposed interpretation and facility developments into a comprehensive sequence of visitor’s experiences.
An innovative aspect of the exhibit is the touch screen kiosk with unique database software, "The Visual Archiver" designed and patented by Commonwealth.