Thunder Bay transportation museum could end up at Marina Park

A proposal to build a transportation museum in Thunder Bay will continue moving forward after discussion at city council last night.

The Lakehead Transportation Museum, headed up by Charlie Brown, woulddisplay the Brill buses, VIA train, Whalentugand marina caboose at one facility.

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Brown says the group has one location in mind: the waterfront.

"For maximum exposure for the museum, easy access for the public, and access for the exhibits, which are primarily water, transitor rail-oriented, the waterfront is really the best choice," Brown said.

He said he asked a city waterfront consultant about building the museum near the proposed Thunder Bay Art Gallery, and was told the cultural portion of Marina Park could handle the 20,000 square footfacility.

Brown says he believes the museum can fundraise enough so the city does not have to pay for the structure, though he has no cost estimate or business plan yet for the overall project.

City staff will get back to council in January on how to move forward with the project.

Acting City Manager Norm Gale agreed to meet with Brown next week to discuss whatpreliminary workcan be done, before the report to council is completed.