Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Alexander Henry share in $6M in provincial funding for Thunder Bay waterfront

The Ontario government is pledging a little over $6 million for waterfront development projects in Thunder Bay, Ont., including $5 million to help the Thunder Bay Art Gallery realize its dream of moving to a new location.

• Council commits $5M for new waterfront art gallery
• Design unveiled for new Thunder Bay waterfront art gallery

The funding, from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, was announced by Premier Kathleen Wynne at a press conference in Thunder Bay on Wednesday.

"Thunder Bay's waterfront has come so far already, it is exciting that we are taking the next steps in building a truly unique experience for locals and visitors alike," Wynnestated in a media release.

"Our investment in Prince Arthur's Landing, including giving people a chance to see extraordinary art by Indigenous and Northwestern Ontario artists, will celebrate Thunder Bay's history as a transportation hub and make the waterfront an even more exciting place for everyone."

In addition to the funding for the art gallery, the province pledged $1 million to the City of Thunder Bay, so that the municipality canmake improvements to Prince Arthur's Landing, including boardwalk improvements, and site preparations for the proposed new gallery.

Some money was also promised to help with plans for aformer coast guard vessel,recently returned to Thunder Bay.

The Lakehead Transportation Museum Society will get $150,000 to help turn theAlexander Henry into a transportation museum.

• Alexander Henry moved to permanent home at Thunder Bay waterfront
• Alexander Henry finds a home at Pool 6

The announcement was made at Pool 6, where the historic boat is now docked.