Even though the writer thinks the Mint may be "boring", he at least has a chance to go. Our Mint here is not open to the public in the same way.
btw: I like the description of the Mint building: "...a palatial, copper-plated testament to the critical role that Winnipeg continues to play in the world’s economy. "
copper-plated, probably just like most of the coins that are made these days.