Community Waterfront Heritage Centre (CWHC)

Celebrating the Marine, Rail and Industrial Heritage of Owen Sound, Ontario

Community Waterfront Heritage Centre Hours

Friday: 12:00pm-4:00pm | Saturday: 10:00am-4:00pm

The museum is available by appointment for other dates and times

Adults: $5. Children (up to 11 years old): Free

Entry is free for OPEN Card holders.

Notices and Announcements:

“Alpha to Omega” Postponed

The presentation of “Alpha to Omega: the History of Owen Sound’s Greek Community has been postponed to February 10th sue to weather conditions.

Book Signing with the Ship to Shore Chef

On January 31st, we will be hosting a book signing with Catherine Schmuk, the Ship to Shore Chef, at the CWHC! She will be signing books at the museum from 1-3pm.

Last Updated on January 23, 2026

Community Waterfront Heritage Centre
1155 1st Ave W,Owen Sound, ON N4K 4K8

Call Us: 519-371-3333
Email: info@waterfrontheritage.ca

CWHC is a registered charity:
# 839177177 RR0001

CWHC is a member of the Ontario Museum Association and the Ontario Historical Society.

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From Alpha to Omega

Hear the history of Owen Sound’s Greek Community! Come to see a presentation by local author Lili Anne Holding and get a signed copy of one of her books while you’re at it!

📅Tuesday, February 10th

🕙 6pm

🎟️ $5/person or included with a book purchase.

📧 Email info@waterfrontheritage.ca to learn more.

PA Day Model Building

Build your first model boat at the Marine and Rail Museum!

🛠️Put together your own Ancaster with new model kits from Marathon of History!

🔎Learn about the museum’s model collection with a ship search scavenger hunt!

🕒January 30, 2025 | 10am-4pm

🛶Model Kits: $14

Adopt an Artifact

Show your support for local heritage by adopting an artifact today!

Pick your favorite artifact at the museum and “adopt” it at the Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum tier.

Platinum: $100

Gold: $75

Silver: $50

Bronze: $25

When you adopt an artifact, you’ll get an adoption certificate, and your support for the museum will be displayed next to the artifact in our galleries. Platinum-tier adopters will also have thei names added to our list of Heritage Heroes!

Email curator@waterfrontheritage.ca to learn more.

About CWHC

Learn all about the Community Waterfront Hertitage Centre

The Community Waterfront Heritage Centre celebrates and preserves Owen Sound’s heritage on the waterfront. It focuses on the marine, rail and industrial history of the City and surrounding communities.

Our Vision

The CWHC enlivens community connections and experiences through sharing collective stories.

Our Mission

The CWHC honours the legacy of “The Waterfront” community hub by sharing stories, presenting fun and educational experiences and offering unique opportunities to explore the curiosity of area residents and connect the imagination of visitors to our collective history.

Our History

The Community Waterfront Heritage Centre is located in the historic CN Rail Station, on Owen Sound’s harbourfront. The Marine Rail Heritage Centre was first established in 1978 by a volunteer group of history enthusiasts who wanted to preserve and expand upon Owen Sound’s history as a thriving port. It preserves the area’s marine, rail and industrial history. It opened to the public in 1985.

On June 28, 2014, the Centre officially opened under new management. We hope you will visit us regularly, whether in person or virtually.

Housed in a former Canadian National Railway Station, the museum features artifacts, scale models, archival photos and interactive stations. It also showcases exquisite ship models made by skilled artisans, along with CNR and CPR memorabilia. Each season, it hosts temporary special exhibits. The former CN station is now listed on the city’s Heritage Register.

Ask to see the working model railroad, or if you’re there at 12 or 5 p.m. enjoy the sound of the historic Kennedy Foundry Whistle.