Art Gallery Selects Contractor

The new Thunder Bay Art Gallery set to be built on the waterfront is one step closer to reality now following the naming of a contractor earlier this week.

Tom Jones Corporation has been selected as the construction manager for the project valued at $38 million.

Funding for the project came from the City of Thunder Bay (11%), provincial (11%) and federal (70%) governments as there is a community fundraising campaign set to launch this summer that has already had $2.5 million committed from various individuals and organizations.

The new gallery will replace the current gallery which has been located on Confederation College’s campus for the past 46 years, and will offer several a space double the size of the gallery for more amenities including:

• expansive exhibition spaces
• increased education and programming areas
• larger collections storage vault
• expanded gift shop
• café with an outdoor terrace
• spaces for community use and rental which can generate revenue for operating expenses

An added bonus will allow the new gallery to be built to zero carbon standards, and will align with the City of Thunder Bay’s Net Zero Strategy.

Construction is expected to get underway soon, with site and foundation work scheduled for winter of 2023, with an opening date set for 2025.