The city’s Growth Standing Committee has endorsed Science North’s recommendation to build its new Science Centre just south of the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, which is currently under construction.
For 15 years, Science North has operated a satellite office in Thunder Bay, but discussions to build a genuine Science Centre in northwestern Ontario have gone on for almost a decade.
Science North’s recommendation to build on the formerly-industrial pool 6 lands is motivated by the city’s Waterfront Master Plan, which envisions developing a new cultural campus on underdeveloped lands along the Port Arthur waterfront.
“What we’re looking at right now is that this site would be beside this beautiful new art gallery as part of this new cultural campus,” explained Director of Operations for Science North Mitch Seguin during the meeting. “Being part of that existing waterfront master plan we think makes good sense, and can help expedite this process as well.”
The Science Centre building will be 4000 square meters. It will use geothermal energy from Lake Superior for power, making the structure a net-zero carbon emitter.
Science North expects an $80 million price tag, for which they have already secured $20 million from the federal government.
When completed, the Science Centre is expected to attract about 74,000 visitors yearly, including 20,000 tourists from outside Thunder Bay who could spend millions of dollars in the local economy.
The city could also see a boost of almost $1 million a year in new tax revenues from the site.
The building itself will bring 24 full-time jobs to the city, with potentially more external jobs being generated in the city over time from increased tourism.
Beyond economic metrics, a new Science Centre promises new opportunities for STEM education in northwestern Ontario, including regionally-focused topics and interactive exhibits.
