Art Gallery Completes Accessibility Renovation Project

The Tom Thomson Art Gallery is thrilled to announce the completion of its Accessibility Renovation Project. The Art Gallery is now fully accessible again following a year-long project that included the reconstruction of the front entrance and the replacement of an outdated passenger lift with an elevator. The project began on March 20, 2023, and concluded with the final inspection of the elevator on March 1, 2024. The Art Gallery remained open to the public for the duration of this project, using the Library entrance during the construction of the front entrance.  

Last year, the City accepted a tender for the work from JP Commercial Contractors totaling just under $777,000. A $390,000 Canada Community Revitalization Fund grant contributed to the project, with the remainder coming from City reserves. 

The Art Gallery now looks forward to welcoming visitors to the fully accessible space. 

Photo credit for elevator image: TTAG Advisory Committee Chair, Peter Tovell takes the first ride in the elevator with Tom. 

For more information, please contact Aidan Ware, Director and Chief Curator, at 519-376-1932 ext. 5001 or email aware@owensound.ca.

Quotes: 

“The TOM is a hub of art and culture in Owen Sound. We’re pleased that the completed Accessibility Renovation Project will enhance the opportunity for everyone in the community and visitors from around the world to enjoy the exhibitions, programming, and events in a fully accessible space. I invite everyone to visit the TOM this spring to see Thomson, McLean, and other artists’ works up close.” 

-Mayor Ian Boddy 

“The positive impact of this project on our community and visitors is profound. The day after our elevator passed inspection, one of the TOM’s former staff members from 1967, the year the Gallery officially opened, visited. She shared fond memories of her time at the Gallery and then took the elevator up to see the exhibitions. Without the accessibility that the entrance and the elevator provided, she would not have been able to see the shows. We see the results of this project daily in the people we serve, and it means everything to us that we can offer safe and accessible spaces for everyone.”  

– Aidan Ware, Director and Chief Curator 

Quick Facts: 

• The Accessibility Renovation Project is now complete at the TOM Thomson Art Gallery 
• This included the reconstruction of the front entrance and the replacement of an outdated passenger lift with an elevator 
• The Art Gallery is also launching two new spring exhibitions on March 9 along with a reception on March 23 from 1-3 p.m. 

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