The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority has taken the next step in finding a new home for two historically significant collections.
On February 24th, the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority issued a Request for Expression of Interest (REOI), inviting organizations to declare by March 16, 2026, whether they are prepared to assume ownership of the collections of R. Tait McKenzie and James Naismith located at the Mill of Kintail in Mississippi Mills.
Two local museums have already signalled their intent to submit formal proposals. Based on the REOI responses, MVCA will develop a formal Request for Proposal to determine which organization is best positioned to take on long-term ownership and management.
The move follows a Board decision to divest the Authority of its ownership of the collections by the end of 2028, citing legislative changes that have altered the Authority’s mandate and funding model.
A Working Group formed in January — including community members, museum experts, fundraisers and a member of the Naismith family — will review submissions alongside staff and help shape evaluation criteria and next steps.
Story by Brian Turner