The Alexander Henry remains afloat financially thanks to a $12,400 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
Lakehead Transportation Museum Society President Charlie Brown says the money helped them deal with Covid related expenses, as well as a few other things this year.
“We bought a little bit of equipment that we needed for maintenance on the property to make sure things are spruced up for the visitors, we also added signage onto our Seacan out here, some really high end signage so people can easily find us when they come down to Pool Six.”
Thunder Bay Superior North M-P-P Lise Vaugeois says this gives the Museum Society the ability to develop the site, making it more accessible as a tourist attraction for the city.
“Its drawing people to the city and bringing dollars into the city,” she notes, “but its also a wonderful place to educate ourselves about our transportation history.”
Some of the money was provided earlier this year and once the final report comes in to the foundation, the rest will be provided. Brown is optimistic for the future as plans are being laid out to further develop the property with the hope of having the James Whalen join the Henry. However he notes they will wait until the next council is selected and sworn in.