Article by Ann Curley

In 1993, I transitioned from a career with the Ministry of Tourism to move to Muskoka with my two young sons, settling in Huntsville. While many may not realize that I’ve lived in Huntsville since then, my work has primarily been in Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and the Township of Muskoka Lakes.

Muskoka’s natural beauty and landscape provided incredible opportunities for my sons. They enjoyed skiing and curling as part of their physical education program and had the chance to skate outdoors and go tobogganing all winter long. I believe my niece and nephew’s frequent visits to Muskoka fostered their love for winter activities.

With my background and expertise, I was offered the position of executive director at the newly formed Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce when I first came to Muskoka. This role allowed me to collaborate closely with local businesses, establish remarkable events, create new programs and build lasting friendships. Over the 31 years I have lived and worked in Muskoka, I have been fortunate to meet many wonderful people, some of whom have become my closest friends.

In 2006, I embarked on a new chapter as the operations manager and curator at the Muskoka Discovery Centre (formerly known as Grace & Speed, Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre), part of the Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre. My time there was incredibly rewarding, allowing me to apply my skills to various initiatives and develop relationships with businesses, volunteers and team members. After 17 years, I made the difficult decision to retire in December 2023. A colleague reassured me, saying, “Don’t be afraid to retire; some of the most exciting opportunities are still out there.”

In February 2024, I was offered and accepted the position of executive director at the Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame and The Venue, which was set to complete construction and open in July. I quickly put my skills into high gear and we successfully opened on July 20 – exciting opportunities indeed! I’m looking forward to welcoming tourists, cottagers, raceboat enthusiasts and so many others to this new space.

Volunteering has also always been a significant part of my life. I have served as a Girl Guide leader, worked with the Windsor/Detroit International Freedom Festival, been involved with Huntsville Hawks Minor Lacrosse and served as president of Huntsville Hawks Junior B Lacrosse. Currently, I volunteer with the Madill Church Preservation Society, the Muskoka Watershed Council and the Breakfast Program at Spruce Glen Public School. As in my work life, volunteering with these organizations has resulted in meeting many incredible people in the communities across Muskoka.

My husband, Larry, and I are blessed with four incredible grandchildren living in Huntsville. We cherish attending their soccer, hockey and lacrosse games, swimming events and fun-filled sleepovers. Fun, family and friends are paramount to me. Living in Muskoka has provided our family and friends with a wonderful place to vacation for a week or two and to call home.

Ann Curley was born and raised in Windsor, Ontario. She graduated from the tourism/marketing management program at St. Clair College and worked for 17 years at the Ministry of Tourism before moving to Muskoka in 1993. When Ann is not working or volunteering, she loves to spend time with her grandchildren and travel.  A third trip to Lagos, Portugal is planned for the fall followed by a trip to Mexico this winter where she will celebrate her birthday.