The City of Thunder Bay and the Friends of Chippewa Park are excited to announce that the contract to build a structure to house the carousel has been awarded to M Builds (NWO) Construction LP.

“We are so excited to begin this final stage of the restoration. Placing the carousel into a purpose-built, climate-controlled addition will ensure that the CW Parker Carousel will be thrilling children and their families for decades to come,” said Donna Gilhooly, Co-Chair, Save Our Carousel Committee. “The 110-year-old carousel is now fully restored thanks to the efforts of local volunteers, tradespeople, artists and artisans. They too will be gratified that their dedication to completing the restoration over the last 5 years will be protected,”

“The Carousel is a vital part of Chippewa Park and its amusement area, and covering the carousel will give us the flexibility to expand its operating season into the shoulder and winter-time periods,” added Cory Halvorsen, Manager of Parks and Open Spaces for the City of Thunder Bay. “Furthermore, attaching the enclosed carousel to the existing Pavillion will increase our programming potential and flexibility. We appreciate the work that The Friends of Chippewa Park have done, particularly raising $1.25 million towards the overall cost of the building. That’s quite an accomplishment, and we are proud to be their partner in this project”.

“M Builds and our team of designers and builders are honoured and excited to be a part of this very special project” said Peter D. Belluz, President and General Manager of M Builds “This is our opportunity to not only protect the craftsmanship of the original carousel and the artisans who have restored it, but to ensure that the carousel remains a place people can make memories with their loved ones for years to come.”

Construction is scheduled to start in late September and be completed in May 2026, in time for the summer operating season. The value of the contract is $2,091,500 plus HST.

The project is jointly funded by the City of Thunder Bay, Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

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Media Contacts:

Cory Halvorsen, Manager, Parks and Open Spaces, City of Thunder Bay, 807-625-2355

Donna Gilhooly, Co-Chair, Save Our Carousel Committee, 807-630-7211

Peter Belluz, President and General Manager of M Builds, 807-346-1656