Plans to build a new Science North facility on Thunder Bay’s waterfront have stalled, leaving municipal officials and residents uncertain about when — or whether — construction will begin.
Federal contribution in place, schedule unclear
Last year, Thunder Bay–Superior North MP Patty Hajdu announced a $20‑million federal contribution to the project, which has been promoted as an $80‑million development to be located off Sleeping Giant Parkway in Marina Park. At that time Science North’s CEO in Sudbury, Ashley Larose, indicated ground would be broken in the spring of 2027.
That timeline has since slipped. Science North has not provided a new start date and declined requests for a progress report. A marketing specialist told the CBC last month that the “project will take longer to advance” than originally anticipated. An emailed statement from the organization said, “there are no updates to share regarding the project at this time,” while noting Science North continues programming and partnerships in the region through its Thunder Bay office.
“Their next step is the development process which involves funding, and they need to get their ducks in order.”
The comment came from Coun. Trevor Giertuga, chair of the council standing committee on growth. He stressed the project remains a Science North initiative, not a city undertaking. When the committee endorsed a staff report recommending city‑owned property be made available for the building in September 2025, councillors signed off only on a site recommendation and a letter of intent, not on financial commitments.
Officials cite rising costs, development steps ahead
City council records and statements from Science North’s representatives indicate a sequence of steps remains before shovels hit dirt: finalizing funding, completing development approvals and confirming construction budgets. The organization’s director of operations, Mitch Seguin, had previously said construction would begin in 2027 and take about two years to complete.
Coun. Giertuga pointed to broader economic pressures. Construction costs have increased substantially in recent years, he said, and the city does not want to be drawn into a financial predicament if costs escalate beyond initial plans.
Science North leadership has reiterated its commitment to Northwestern Ontario. CEO Ashley Larose told local media last year that the organisation remains dedicated to the region, and in follow‑up correspondence said that commitment is unchanged.
- Project cost: $80 million
- Federal contribution announced: $20 million
- Proposed site: Marina Park, off Sleeping Giant Parkway
- Original start target: spring 2027 (now delayed)
- Expected construction duration (previously stated): two years
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Estimated project cost | $80 million |
| Federal contribution announced | $20 million |
| Site | Marina Park, off Sleeping Giant Parkway |
| Initial start target | Spring 2027 |
| Planned construction time | Two years (as previously stated) |
What the delay means for the region
For Thunder Bay and the surrounding region, the facility represented not only a new public science attraction but also potential economic spinoffs tied to tourism, education and local partnerships. With details now sparse, municipal leaders are urging Science North to clarify its funding strategy and timeline so that the city and community can plan accordingly.
Until Science North provides an update, municipal officials emphasise their limited role: endorsing a site and a letter of intent, but withholding financial commitments. That leaves the onus on Science North to advance development approvals, secure any remaining funding and present a concrete schedule for construction.
The project’s future will hinge on those next steps and on whether Science North can reconcile rising costs with the ambitions for a waterfront science centre intended to serve Northwestern Ontario.
