Funding will enhance visitor experience, preserve a national landmark and support tourism growth in Northwestern Ontario
THUNDER BAY, Ont. — The Ontario government is investing $319,423 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to revitalize the Terry Fox Monument and Visitor Centre in Thunder Bay, a landmark that commemorates one of Canada’s most enduring symbols of courage, perseverance and hope.
The funding will support a series of upgrades to the visitor centre, surrounding grounds and the monument itself, helping preserve the site while improving accessibility, safety and the overall visitor experience. Provincial officials say the project aligns with Ontario’s broader plan to strengthen tourism assets, support local businesses and protect important pieces of Canadian history.
“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.”
Upgrades Planned for Visitor Centre and Grounds
The City of Thunder Bay will use the funding to rehabilitate the visitor centre’s roof, improve walkways and trails, enhance landscaping and purchase new amenities including water-filling stations, outdoor picnic tables and benches.
The project will also introduce new technology designed to improve visitor engagement, including interactive displays supported by screens, tablets and display stands. In addition, restoration work will be carried out on the Terry Fox monument, which has stood at the site for approximately 30 years.
The monument marks the location where Fox was forced to end his Marathon of Hope in September 1980 after cancer returned. Diagnosed with bone cancer in 1977, Fox embarked on his cross-country fundraising run in 1980, covering an average of 42 kilometres per day for 143 consecutive days before being forced to stop in Thunder Bay.
Today, the Terry Fox Monument and Visitor Centre attracts more than 100,000 visitors annually, including more than 50,000 who enter the visitor centre itself.
“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.”
Tourism and Economic Benefits Expected
Provincial officials say the improvements are expected to strengthen Thunder Bay’s position as a tourism gateway to Northwestern Ontario. By enhancing year-round visitor experiences, the project aims to encourage travellers to spend more time in the region, benefiting accommodations, restaurants, attractions and retailers.
Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay—Atikokan, said the investment will deliver both cultural and economic value.
“This investment helps preserve one of Canada’s most iconic landmarks and keeps Terry Fox’s legacy inspiring visitors from around the world,” said Holland. “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.”
Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, emphasized the broader significance of the landmark.
“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.”
Community Leaders Welcome Investment
The announcement was also welcomed by local leaders and members of the Fox family, who highlighted the importance of maintaining the site for future generations.
“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
Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff said the improvements support the city’s long-term growth strategy.
“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.”
Jamie Taylor, CEO of the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC), noted the centre’s role in connecting visitors with local businesses and attractions.
“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.”
NOHFC Continues Northern Ontario Investment
The announcement adds to the NOHFC’s growing investment portfolio across Northern Ontario. Since June 2018, the corporation has invested more than $1 billion in over 8,600 projects, helping leverage more than $3.3 billion in additional investment and creating or sustaining more than 13,400 jobs.
The revitalization project also comes as Terry Fox’s legacy continues to resonate across Canada. In 2026, the Terry Fox Foundation announced it had surpassed $1 billion raised for cancer research through fundraising efforts inspired by Fox’s Marathon of Hope.