THUNDER BAY — The Thunder Bay Art Gallery says it’s still aiming for a 2025 opening, but could face some budget increases, as construction begins on its new waterfront facility.
If all goes according to plan, that would keep the organization on track to open its doors to the public in the new location for its 2025 target. “We do need quite a few months of not being active in this building or that building, to move the collection,” she said.The new building will offer more than double the current gallery space — 39,000 square feet on two floors, versus 16,000 now — and add new features like a café and event hall.
“Once we know more, we can say more, but at this moment, I think it’s fair to say it will definitely cost $50 million, and it potentially may cost a bit more.” The gallery plans to launch a public fundraising campaign in September, after raising $2.5 million in an initial “quiet” phase of local fundraising.