Due to the fact that the Fort is a not-for-profit organization the province annually grants 3.2 million dollars allocated for the operation of the Fort, 1.7 million of which goes to pay employee salaries.(Craig, Laura, personal. Communication, September 20th, 2003) In addition to the provincial funding, the fort also receives between thirty-six and fifty-six thousands dollars from private monetary donations, as well as countless funding from corporate sponsorship. A few of the major sponsors who make significant donations each year include, the A & P Company, Bearskin airlines, Coca-Cola, and Wendy's Restaurant, without the generosity of these local franchises, many of the programs the Fort offers would not be possible. (Sponsers retrieved September 24th 20003, http://www.oldfortwilliam.on.ca/text_version.html) Depending on the frequency of patrons between six and eight hundred thousand dollars comes from gate fees, all of which is given back to the government. .(Craig, Laura, personal. Communication, September 20th, 2003).
At first glance it seems that the government is making a poor investment, because they only collect approximately one quarter of the money they invest annually into Fort William. One could argue that the Fort is a waste of taxpayer's money, and in terms of monetary value they are correct. However, the issue must be examined more deeply before the value of the investment can be fully interpreted. In order to due so, one must first consider several factors, not the least of which is the value of the experience and education numerous children leave with each year. Another factor, which must be examined, is the economic impact the Fort has on local businesses in Thunder Bay as a result of increased tourism in the area. Lastly one must figure in the value of passing on the history of our nation to future generations. After careful consideration, it seems that Fort William Historical Park is a priceless addition to the community, which repays more than tenfold on the minimal annual investments.
