Help Shape the Future of Doon Heritage Village

Doon Heritage Village, a 60-acre living history museum in Waterloo Region, is getting a major update. The museum has recreated life in 1914 rural Ontario since the late 1980s, but now they're asking: whose stories are missing? The Region wants input on how to make the site more inclusive and representative of the diverse communities who call Waterloo home today.

Why This Matters

Ever visited a museum and thought 'where's my family's story?' This is your chance to change that. The Region wants to hear from people whose cultures and traditions aren't yet represented at this historic site. If you've got memories of Doon Village from the past 60 years, they want those too.

What Could Change

When Doon Heritage Village reopens in 2026, it could look very different. New stories from Indigenous peoples and diverse newcomer communities may be woven into the experience. Expect more hands-on workshops, multi-sensory exhibits, and programming that tackles both celebratory and difficult aspects of local history.

Key Issues

How can the museum better represent Indigenous and diverse newcomer stories?
What hands-on, immersive experiences would visitors like to see?
How can accessibility be improved, including affordable admission and better pathways?
Should the 1914 historical focus be maintained while connecting to broader narratives?

How to Participate

Sign up for the Region of Waterloo Museums and Archives e-newsletter to get exclusive opportunities to test new experiences and provide feedback in 2025.
Review the Doon Heritage Village Milestones document to understand the site's history.

Submit Your Input

Draft Email

Email Template

Dear Region of Waterloo Museums Team,

I am writing to share my feedback on the Reimagining Doon Heritage Village project.

I [support / have suggestions for] the direction of this project because:
[Your reason]

My connection to this project:
[Are you a local resident, past visitor, member of a community whose story could be included, etc.?]

Stories or cultures I'd like to see represented:
[Your ideas]

Experiences that would engage me as a visitor:
[Your suggestions for hands-on activities, exhibits, etc.]

Accessibility improvements needed:
[Your thoughts on admission, transportation, pathways, etc.]

Memories of Doon Heritage Village:
[Any personal memories you'd like to share]

Thank you for considering my input.

Sincerely,
[Your name]

Questions Being Asked (4)

What stories, cultures, or traditions would you like to see represented at Doon Heritage Village?
What hands-on or immersive experiences would engage you as a visitor?
How can accessibility be improved at the site?
What memories do you have of Doon Heritage Village from the past 60+ years?

Key Documents

Doon Heritage Village Milestones (opens in new tab)