The city of Thunder Bay and Chippewa Park have announced that a contract has been awarded to build a structure to house the park’s historic carousel.
This marks the beginning of the final stage of the project.
“Placing the carousel into a purpose-built, climate-controlled addition will ensure that the CW Parker Carousel will be thrilling children and their families for decades to come,” said Co-Chair, Save Our Carousel Committee Donna Gilhooly. “The 110-year-old carousel is now fully restored thanks to the efforts of local volunteers, tradespeople, artists and artisans.”
M Builds (NWO) Construction LP has been awarded the contract.
Construction is scheduled to start by the end of September.
“The carousel is a vital part of Chippewa Park and its amusement area, and covering the carousel will give us the flexibility to expand its operating season into the shoulder and winter-time periods,” added Thunder Bay’s Manager of Parks and Open Spaces, Cory Halvorsen. “Furthermore, attaching the enclosed carousel to the existing pavilion will increase our programming potential and flexibility.”
“We appreciate the work that The Friends of Chippewa Park have done, particularly raising $1.25 million towards the overall cost of the building. That’s quite an accomplishment, and we are proud to be their partner in this project.”
The over $2 million project was jointly funded by the city of Thunder Bay as well as the federal and provincial governments.
The project is expected to be completed in May 2026.
