Accelerating Growth in Thunder Bay’s Creative Economy to Create Jobs and Opportunities

News release

FedNor investment helps Thunder Bay Art Gallery relocate to the waterfront at Prince Arthur Landing

January 14, 2019 – Thunder Bay, Ontario – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario - FedNor

Communities, businesses and families throughout Northwestern Ontario will benefit from enhanced tourism, middle-class jobs and a strong economy thanks to a Government of Canada investment of $3.5 million. The FedNor funding will support the construction of the new Thunder Bay Art Gallery on the waterfront at Prince Arthur Landing.

The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay–Superior North, and Don Rusnak, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Rainy River, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor.

The new 37,000-square-foot Thunder Bay Art Gallery will be fully accessible and have the flexibility to offer up to six separate exhibition spaces. It will also include 3,500 square feet of environmentally controlled storage space, which will allow the organization to expand its permanent art collection. Other key features will include an expanded gift shop, café with outdoor terrace and a second-floor event hall overlooking the Sleeping Giant, which together will help support the long-term success and financial sustainability of the facility.

Specifically, this FedNor investment will support site preparation, landscaping and construction costs. The funding will also be used to purchase equipment, furnishings, specialized art storage and monitoring systems.

Quotes

“Our government supports Canadian cultural institutions as they celebrate and promote our national identity while strengthening our economy and creating middle-class jobs. This strategic investment in the Thunder Bay Art Gallery will enhance tourism, position Northwestern Ontario as a leader in the creative economy and improve the quality of life for families who live and work here.”

The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North

“The Government of Canada recognizes the unique needs of Northwestern Ontario and is investing to support businesses and organizations that help improve the social and economic well-being of our region. Relocating the Thunder Bay Art Gallery to the city’s waterfront will enable the organization to grow in size and scope, furthering its standing as an economic and cultural hub for the region.”

Don Rusnak, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Rainy River

“This strong show of support from FedNor and the Government of Canada brings the Thunder Bay Art Gallery waterfront relocation project to within 90 percent of its fundraising goal. I am excited that the federal government recognizes the economic and tourism benefits the new Thunder Bay Art Gallery will deliver to our region as a result of the modernized facility, increased programming, new amenities and an enhanced visitor experience.”

Sharon Godwin, Director, Thunder Bay Art Gallery

Quick facts

  • The recently released Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario outlines the Government of Canada’s approach to ensure the region can fully benefit from the national Innovation and Skills Plan. It is focused on three key economic development areas: supporting innovation; growing companies; and building stronger communities.

  • The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.

  • Once complete, the new Thunder Bay Art Gallery will more than double its existing programming and public spaces, having served the community since 1976 at its current site at Confederation College.

  • The organization’s $33-million capital project is being supported by all levels of government and by a local fundraising campaign. In July 2018, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $11.5 million through the Department of Canadian Heritage in support of project. Construction of the new facility is expected to begin in 2020.

Associated links

Contacts

Paul Denis
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-507-0539
paul.denis@canada.ca

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