Exploration Place charts a new path forward in 2025.

Exploration Place received a $500,000 regional loan after pandemic-era renovations and cash-flow strains, and opened a new explorations gallery in October that has doubled memberships and admissions.

Exploration Place entered 2025 after a period of renovation and financial strain. During the COVID-19 pandemic the museum removed some interactive first-floor elements and converted a former lecture space into a kitchen. Those changes were followed by cash-flow pressures that led to advances on operating grants and a loan from the regional district. The museum reported progress on its line of credit and opened a new second-floor explorations gallery that boosted attendance. Key developments: - Renovations during the pandemic removed interactive exhibits such as a riverboat-style playground and a fossil dig pit. - The lecture space was converted into a kitchen to serve visitors and cater outside events. - The museum sought cash advances on operating grants in 2023 and 2024 and received a $500,000 loan from the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George in April 2024. - Documents showed the museum was behind schedule on paying down its line of credit but later exceeded its target, with the full balance expected to be paid off in the first quarter of 2026. - A new second-floor explorations gallery opened in October with hands-on features and the museum reports that memberships and admissions have doubled since it opened. - The Little Prince steam train remains operational under contract, but staff say the train's shelter is old and leaking; city staff have been asked to investigate a long-term operating agreement and the museum has said it would want a new shelter to continue operating the train safely. Summary: Exploration Place's renovations and regional financial support helped stabilize the museum while it refocused programming on hands-on learning. New partnerships with nearby daycare and preschool programs and the October gallery opening have increased visits and revenue. The museum expects to clear its line of credit in early 2026, and the train's longer-term operation depends on decisions about a new shelter under consideration by the city.