Government of Canada Recognizes the Thunder Bay Tourist Pagoda for its Historic Significance
News Release
May 23, 2017 Thunder Bay, Ontario Parks Canada Agency
Today, Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Develop and Labour and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay —Superior North, on behalf of Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, unveiled a commemorative Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque highlighting the national historic significance of the Thunder Bay Tourist Pagoda.
A special ceremony was held at the Thunder Bay Tourist Pagoda with members of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, local officials, and members of the community.
The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places, and events that contributed to our country’s rich and diverse history. Since 1909, the Thunder Bay Tourist Pagoda has served as an information kiosk to promote the city to tourists, investors, and industrialists. This rare heritage building, with its unconventional but carefully conceived design, is picturesquely located near the waterfront. Tourism Thunder Bay maintains this foothold as a lasting symbol of the Lakehead’s hospitality to locals and visitors alike.
As part of the centennial of national historic sites, Parks Canada invites Canadians to be inspired and captivated by the stories of the people and events that shaped the Canada of today. Canada’s national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas enable Canadians to experience their rich history and heritage in a special way and will play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150.
Quotes
“I’m thrilled that our government is commemorating the Thunder Bay Tourist Pagoda as a place of national historic significance. The Pagoda has been an iconic landmark in Thunder Bay for over 100 years and stands as a reminder that our city is such a special place to live, work, and play. Today, we recognize the importance of this historic building and its prominent role in promoting all that our region has to offer.”
The Honourable Patty Hajdu,
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay —Superior North
Quick Facts
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Designed by architect H. Russell Halton, the building is an octagonal brick structure with an umbrella or pagoda-shaped roof and a bell-shaped cupola.
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The Thunder Bay Tourist Pagoda continues to welcome visitors to the city to this day, and is considered the longest operating tourist information bureau in the country.
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Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change on the national historic importance of the sites, people, and events that marked Canada's history.
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Contacts
Nancy Saunders
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Northern Ontario Field Unit
Parks Canada Agency
807-346-2900
Nancy.saunders@pg.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca