The Ontario government is investing $319,423 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation to help the City of Thunder Bay enhance the Terry Fox Monument and Visitor Centre.

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 Fox ran an average of 42 kilometres a day for 143 days. In September 1980, he had to end his run in Thunder Bay.

The facility currently welcomes more than 100,000 visitors annually from around the world, with more than 50,000 entering the visitor centre itself. The improvements will boost accessibility and extend the lifespan of the facility and grounds. The project team 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 monument.

In a statement, the Fox family regarded the memorial as “a place of deep significance” for their 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,” they wrote. “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.”