Ontario Investing More Than $300,000 to Revitalize Terry Fox Visitor Centre in Thunder Bay

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.”

Quick Facts

• Through its funding programs, the NOHFC offers support to public and private sector economic development projects across Northern Ontario.

• Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $1 billion in over 8,600 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 13,400 jobs.

• Before his passing in 1981, Terry inspired an annual event — the Terry Fox Run. In 2026, the Terry Fox Foundation announced it surpassed $1 billion in funds raised for cancer research.

• The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.

Quotes

"The Terry Fox memorial in Thunder Bay is a place of deep significance for our family. Every year, thousands of people visit the Memorial to reflect on Terry’s journey, his determination and his unwavering belief in a future without cancer. We are grateful for this investment, which will help preserve and enhance this special place, ensuring it remains accessible and inspiring for all who come to learn about his legacy and the enduring power of perseverance."

- The Fox Family

"Few places capture the Canadian spirit of perseverance and hope quite like the Terry Fox Monument and Visitor Centre. This investment will help preserve an important part of Ontario’s history while enhancing the experience for visitors from across Canada and around the world, encouraging more people to discover Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario."

- Stan Cho

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming

"The Terry Fox Monument and Visitor Centre is one of Thunder Bay’s most meaningful and recognized landmarks, welcoming visitors from around the world and reflecting Terry Fox’s enduring legacy. This investment supports the City’s Smart Growth Action Plan by enhancing a key tourism destination, improving accessibility and the year-round visitor experience, and strengthening Thunder Bay’s appeal as a place to visit, live and invest. We thank the Province of Ontario and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for helping preserve this iconic site for future generations."

- Ken Boshcoff

Mayor of Thunder Bay

"The Terry Fox Visitor Centre welcomes tens of thousands of visitors from around the world each year with Thunder Bay as the destination or the stop along their route. The year-round centre is a National Historic Site, a place to honour Terry’s legacy and is a critical element of the Thunder Bay CEDC’s Tourism Thunder Bay tourism wayfinding program. In 2025, the visitor services team connected visitors with over $3.5 million in local and regional accommodation, culinary, events and attraction recommendations. We thank the NOHFC for their contribution to strengthen this important tourism asset in our community."

- Jamie Taylor

CEO, Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC)

MEDIA CONTACT                                                                                              

Stephen Lecce, MPP for King—Vaughan

Constituency Office

Tel.: 647-560-9700        

Email: Stephen.Lecce@pc.ola.org