Thunder Bay City Council Increases Commitment to Waterfront Gallery by $2.5M
November 6, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Subject: Thunder Bay City Council Increases Commitment to Waterfront Gallery by $2.5M
Where: City Hall, 500 Donald St. E., Thunder Bay, ON, P7C 5K4
On Tuesday 4, November Thunder Bay City Council increased their commitment to the construction of the Gallery’s new waterfront home by $2.5 million. This generous support continues council’s leadership investing in this generational project, and will be utilized to leverage further funding from the private and public sectors.
Matthew R. Hills, Executive Director of the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, expressed his gratitude to City Council. “We are grateful for city council’s support of this generational opportunity for our cultural community and regional economy. The Waterfront Gallery will be a vibrant gathering place for our whole community that reflects the cultural identity of our region. With construction underway the city’s additional funding comes at a key phase as we seek further support to finish strong”
“The city has a significant role here in demonstrating leadership.” Mayor Ken Boshcoff said, “I’m hoping this will encourage donors of all abilities, to give what they can, because this will be significant. Our waterfront will shine because of this project, and you will have a chance to be a part of it.”
City Councilor Brian Hamilton gave a statement on the support saying “This is a pivotal moment for our city. The new art gallery is not just a building. It is a vision of a new tomorrow; a beacon of hope, regional pride and inclusion. Though the city of Thunder Bay will be host to this monumental community space, this really is a project of national significance. It is my hope and expectation that the 2.5 million dollar investment from the city will assist the Thunder Bay Art Gallery in the delivery of this important project for our citizens, region and country.”
In 2015 the City of Thunder Bay pledged an investment of 10-15% of the project budget, at that time $5 million dollars. That initial commitment has allowed the Gallery to leverage over $46 million in funding from other sources. Due to the unanticipated levels of contamination on the former heavy industry waterfront site, the Gallery has invested an additional $10 million in environmental measures as a gift to the community and an aspect of environmental leadership. This previous brown-field was unusable land and is now clean and beautiful for all to enjoy.
