Ontario to Revitalize Terry Fox Visitor Centre in Thunder Bay

The Ontario government is investing $319,423 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help the City of Thunder Bay enhance the Terry Fox Monument and Visitor Centre. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, this investment will help preserve an iconic landmark, improve visitor experience and support local businesses and tourism in Northwestern Ontario.

“Terry Fox is a Canadian hero whose Marathon of Hope impacted the lives of millions of people in Canada and around the world,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Our government is proud to honour his memory by supporting the upgrade of the Terry Fox Monument and Visitor Centre so his legacy can continue to inspire those living with cancer and give hope to his dream of finding a cure.”

After being diagnosed with bone cancer in his leg in 1977, Terry Fox decided to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. The Marathon of Hope took place in 1980, and Terry ran an average of 42 kilometres a day for 143 days. In September 1980, Terry had to end his run in Thunder Bay.

Today, the Terry Fox Monument and Visitor Centre welcomes more than 100,000 visitors annually from across Canada and around the world, with over 50,000 entering the visitor centre itself. With the support of NOHFC funding, the City of Thunder Bay will rehabilitate the visitor centre roof, upgrade walkways, trails and landscaping and purchase new equipment such as water filling stations, outdoor picnic tables and benches. The city will also install new technologies such as screens, tablets and stands for interactive displays, as well as undertake restoration work to revitalize the 30-year-old Terry Fox monument.

“Our government is proud to support improvements that will help revitalize a nationally recognized monument ensuring it remains a must-see destination in the Northwest,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “This investment will help protect an important piece of Canadian history and reinforce the legacy of Terry Fox as a symbol of national inspiration.”

These improvements will extend the lifespan of the visitor centre and grounds, enhancing accessibility, safety and improving the overall visitor experience. Expanding and improving year-round tourism experiences will strengthen the city’s ability to serve as a gateway to the region, encouraging people to stay and experience the area longer and visit local accommodations, attractions, restaurants and shopping.

“This investment helps preserve one of Canada’s most iconic landmarks and keeps Terry Fox’s legacy inspiring visitors from around the world,” said Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay—Atikokan. “By revitalizing the visitor centre, monument, and surrounding grounds, we are improving accessibility, enhancing the visitor experience and supporting tourism in Thunder Bay and across Northwestern Ontario. Terry Fox brought hope to Canadians at a time when it was deeply needed, and I’m proud our government is helping restore this site, so his story continues to inspire people for generations to come.”

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