Thunder Bay lakeside art gallery opening moved to 2027

Thunder Bay - If the sign posted at the construction site of Thunder Bay's new art gallery saying "Opening 2025" is accurate, the remaining work will be done at warp speed.

In fact, the sign is badly outdated, as the project is now expected to be completed in 2027.

Lesley Bell, who has been interim chair of the gallery's board since the end of January, told The News Watch: "We're not 100% sure, but we're hoping to achieve that in early 2027.

She cited multiple reasons for the extended timeline, but said construction is still underway.

"The work is progressing. If you come to the site, I come several times a week, you'll see construction workers on site, the foundation is done, the roof is done, work is happening inside, so it's moving along well."

Less than a year ago, the gallery's executive director, Matthew Hills, wasconfident that the new building would open in early 2026.

Bell also confirmed that the project's cost has increased.

The estimated cost in 2022 was $50 million, but by the time construction began in the summer of 2023, it had risen to $57 million.

In an interview, Bell said: "It will definitely be higher than $57 million, but I can't give an exact figure."

"We started construction in July 2023, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yes, we've faced many challenges. Prices have gone up due to the pandemic, supply chain issues, trade availability... and we don't even know how tariffs will affect us."

She also noted that federal funding from Infrastructure Canada's Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program required significant changes to the building's design, "because it's now a carbon-neutral building, which has definitely extended the construction time."

So far, the federal government has contributed nearly $36 million, while the provincial government and the City of Thunder Bay have each contributed nearly $6 million.

The gallery has also been fundraising in the community, with a goal of $5 million.

But Bell said that due to rising costs, more money is needed to complete the project, and that requires soliciting donations from further afield.

"Our goal was to raise funds in the community, but we've actually put a lot of effort into developing a very comprehensive fundraising plan, and we'll be fundraising across Canada. Because, as you know, we have some significant artists in our collection. For example, Norval Morrisseau."

Bell said the gallery will also reach out to previous donors and groups they haven't contacted yet.

She declined to discuss details of the expanded appeal, but said the gallery will make an announcement soon.

"As a board, we've spent a lot of time discussing this project. It's our top priority. We're very focused on it, and we're absolutely committed to making it happen."

Bell said that once the new gallery opens, it will be a jewel on the city's waterfront, and combined with the plannedScience Northand cruise ship facility, it will be a "great destination" for locals and tourists alike.

Source:  https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/thunder-bay-art-gallery-opening-changed-to-2027-10418740