There’s a new look for tourists arriving in the city.
Thunder Bay’s Gateways signs have been installed in three key locations, greeting visitors from the south, wast and at the Thunder Bay International Airport.
The two-metre high, laser-cut steel signs, perched atop a large cement blocks, feature the words Thunder Bay carved along the top, with varying designs showcasing what makes the city unique. The one on Highway 61 near the entrance to Little Norway Road features a cut-out of the Sleeping Giant in the middle and evergreen trees symbolizing the region’s connection to nature along the bottom. The one at the airport incorporates Thunder Bay's connection to the water, with canoes and sailboat silhouettes.
The third sign is located on the Harbour Expressway extension.
“When viewed from the City of Thunder Bay, the rock formation known as the Sleeping Giant creates a remarkable silhouette against the skyline of Lake Superior. The silhouette of the Sleeping Giant establishes our major theme and also establishes the artistic technique of silhouette,” said Saskatoon-based artist Jyhiling Lee, who designed the signs, in her initial proposal for the nationwide competition.
“The artistic intent it to create a figure-ground condition within each Gateway where the surrounding landscape is clearly visible through the perforated areas. The appearance of the Gateway will change with the seasons, and over the course of the day; at one time it will frame the brilliant colours of autumn, at another the sky during sunset will be outlined by the silhouette of the Sleeping Giant.”
The metal has been sandblasted and powder-coated for effect.
“The intent of the Thunder Bay Gateways project is to provide a highly visible and aesthetically attractive entrance to the City of Thunder Bay for travelers entering the city by highway or air,” city officials stated in a release issued on Thursday.
“Gateways have the potential to speak to the cultural uniqueness of the community and enhance visitors’ first impression of Thunder Bay.”
The signs were initially supposed to be installed this past spring, but red tape forced the delay of the project. Money for the project was provided by the city’s Clean, Green and Beautiful committee. The total cost of the three signs is $300,000, money that includes landscaping and solar collectors, used to provide lighting for the signs.
An official ceremony to mark their arrival will be held on Monday afternoon at the airport. A fourth sign has been proposed for Highway 11/17 near the Terry Fox monument.
