Community Profile

April 23, 2025

How a leading local business is shaping the future with a vibrant, inspiring investment.

For Sarah Frenette, CAO of TBT Engineering, investing in the Thunder Bay Art Gallery’s capital project is not just about contributing to a building—it’s about helping to define what Thunder Bay stands for and what it can become.

“Part of supporting the community is making sure it’s a really well-rounded community,” she says, her voice warm with conviction. “Supporting the art, the culture in our area, and having an avenue to highlight that and our history in the region is very valuable.”

TBT Engineering, a woman-owned and employee-owned consulting engineering firm headquartered in Thunder Bay, is known for its expertise, professionalism, and deep ties to the local community. But for Sarah and her team, being “the experts from the North” isn’t just a tagline; it’s a philosophy that extends beyond their work into every corner of the region they call home. That commitment to building Thunder Bay’s future is what inspired their support for the new art gallery—a space that will celebrate culture, creativity, and community connection in equal measure.

A Well-Rounded Vision for the Future

Thunder Bay is no stranger to the challenges of geographic isolation. Yet for all its remoteness, the city has always been a hub—a vibrant center of industry, arts, and people who are proud to call it home. Sarah sees this art gallery project as a catalyst to reinforce that identity while pushing the city forward.

“We’re the smallest community that has a symphony,” Sarah notes. “It’s important to highlight that we’re isolated, but we’re a hub. The art gallery builds on that and is important in the same way. It can attract professionals, help people feel proud of the community they live in, and see it as a well-rounded place that supports culture, sports, history, and art all at the same time.”

For Sarah and TBT Engineering, investing in a project like the Thunder Bay Art Gallery is about balance. It’s about creating a city where everyone—from professionals and families to newcomers and lifelong residents—can connect to something larger than themselves. A well-rounded community isn’t just about economic development, she explains, it’s about fostering shared experiences that inspire pride and joy.

Art as a Lens for Connection and Reflection

Sarah’s personal connection to art may not come from years of formal study, but it comes from a deeply felt understanding of what art can do for the mind and heart.

“Art helps me think a little bit differently,” she reflects. “It allows me to connect with a subject that maybe I haven’t had an opportunity to experience or consider in that way. That’s important for triggering self-reflection and reflection on the bigger world you’re a part of.”

For many, art represents an escape, a pause in the everyday rush. For Sarah, it represents an opportunity—a chance to challenge perspectives, inspire creativity, and connect with the greater human experience.

She recalls her time living in Ottawa, visiting the city’s renowned Natural History Museum. Those memories, tied to exploration and curiosity, are part of why she believes so strongly in the potential of Thunder Bay’s new art gallery.

“It’s about moving the community forward and thinking about what it can look like in the future,” she says. “It’s not just about today—it’s about creating a space where people can connect and reflect for years to come.”

The new Thunder Bay Art Gallery will do just that. Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Superior, the building’s sleek, modern design will feature expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of the iconic Sleeping Giant. This state-of-the-art, zero-carbon facility isn’t just an architectural marvel—it’s a testament to the community’s forward-thinking values. Visitors will find themselves immersed in spaces designed for connection: from galleries that showcase Indigenous and national exhibitions to classrooms and studios where creativity flourishes. Even the shoreline itself, once marred by industrial use, will be transformed into a vibrant green space, echoing the renewal and reflection that art inspires.

Building Pride in the Community

For Sarah and the team at TBT Engineering, supporting the new gallery is also deeply personal. It’s about building something their employees can be proud of—something tangible that connects their work to their city.

“It’s always nice for our staff to have an opportunity to participate in a project that they can see in their community,” she shares. “When they drive by and can say, ‘I was part of that. I worked on that,’ it’s incredibly meaningful. That connection is so important.”

The gallery’s location along the downtown waterfront amplifies its significance. Over the years, the area has become a growing hub for tourism and recreation. With the addition of the new Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Sarah envisions a space that not only ties everything together but shines as a beacon of creativity and culture.

“I think the new art gallery will be such a feature of the downtown waterfront,” Sarah says. “It will be a beautiful building—accessible, vibrant, and reflective of who we are as a community.”

Nestled along the shores of Lake Superior, the new Thunder Bay Art Gallery will overlook the iconic Sleeping Giant, a feature that embodies the spirit and identity of the community. With floor-to-ceiling windows, visitors will be treated to stunning views of the lake while enjoying world-class exhibitions.

Why Supporting the Arts Matters

When asked about the importance of art and culture in Thunder Bay’s growth, Sarah’s response is clear and impassioned.

“Absolutely, I think it’s fundamental,” she says. “Like anything, you need to show who you are to attract people. It’s part of being vulnerable—you’re showing who your community is and highlighting that. That’s what makes people want to be part of it.”

Thunder Bay, Sarah explains, hasn’t grown significantly in population, but it has grown in energy, opportunities, and offerings. The city is changing—becoming more refined, dynamic, and attractive to those looking to build their lives and careers here. The new gallery, she believes, will be a cornerstone of that transformation.

“People want to be here,” she says. “How many of your friends moved away and are now coming back? It’s a different energy. It’s very positive, and this can help contribute to moving that forward.”

A Legacy for Future Generations

For Sarah, the gallery represents more than just an investment in the present—it’s a commitment to future generations. She envisions a space that will inspire children, families, and newcomers to engage with art in new and meaningful ways.

“I think a space like this would be a great introduction for kids to this part of the world,” she says. “It will make art more approachable and provide programming that helps people connect with who we are as a community.”

Her message to others considering a contribution is simple but powerful:

“For others who are considering supporting this, I would encourage them to do it. Be a part of something in your community that’s going to be fabulous. It will be here for a long time, and it will help people connect with who we are.”

Why Can’t We Have That Here?

For TBT Engineering, excellence has always been rooted in the North. Their work, their people, and their values reflect a community that doesn’t see itself as limited by geography. Instead, Thunder Bay is a place of possibility. Sarah sees the art gallery as an extension of that mindset.

“For us, one of our taglines was, ‘The experts can come from the North,’” she shares. “Why can’t we be the ones who stand up and say, ‘We’re from the community, and we’re the best suited to do this work?’ I see this in the same way. If we have all these fabulous artists, why can’t we highlight them here in a way that’s appropriate and as significant as their contributions are?”

It’s a question that resonates far beyond the art world. Why can’t Thunder Bay be a place where people choose to stay, return, and build their lives? Why can’t it shine as brightly as any other cultural hub? For Sarah and TBT Engineering, the answer is simple: It can—and the new Thunder Bay Art Gallery is proof of that.

A Commitment to Growth, Culture, and Connection

As the new gallery rises along Thunder Bay’s waterfront, it will stand as a symbol of what’s possible when a community invests in itself. For TBT Engineering, that investment is about more than bricks and mortar—it’s about building a legacy of pride, creativity, and connection that will inspire generations to come.

And as Sarah so eloquently puts it, “Why can’t we have that here?”

Be a Part of This Vision

The new Thunder Bay Art Gallery is more than just a building—it’s a promise to future generations, a testament to the strength of our community, and a beacon for creativity and connection. Now is the time to take a giant step forward and make this vision a reality.

By supporting the gallery’s ‘Giant Step’ capital campaign, you’re not just donating to an arts institution—you’re investing in the heart and soul of Thunder Bay. Your contribution will help transform the lakeshore into a vibrant cultural destination, create opportunities for children and families to explore the arts, and ensure that our local and Indigenous artists are celebrated on a stage as grand as their talent.

Join us in shaping the future of Thunder Bay.
Visit the link below to learn more about the campaign and to make your donation today. Together, we can create something extraordinary that will inspire and connect us all for generations to come.

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