One of British Columbia's most recognizable sons, Terry Fox, might get his own centre in downtown Vancouver.
It's been 35 years since the end of Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope and the research institute that bears his name is pushing for a more substantial memorial to the runner.
"Terry continues to inspire people, many generations of people who never met him. I think that having a centre where his collection is kept and where cancer research is displayed will inspire not only the current generation of people but other generations of people," said Dr. Victor Ling, the scientific director of the Terry Fox Research Institute.
Ling says the Terry Fox Foundation, along with Fox's family, is hunting for locations to house the memorabilia collection.
The van used in the marathon, which currently resides in the Museum of History in Ottawa, is being targeted as a centrepiece of the display.
Ling says the proposed museum could even showcase the latest cancer research, to raise awareness about the work being done to fight the disease.
"We could display some of the most advanced cancer research across the country displayed in real time…maybe even interact with the scientists directly," said Ling.
The provincial government said it’s keen to help fund the project, provided Ottawa can contribute as well.
"At the province, we are delighted to help. Terry Fox is a national hero. He is from British Columbia. He is the ideal picture of how ordinary, average people can make a tremendous difference in the world," said Premier Christy Clark.
Initial hopes had pegged 2017 as the opening date, to coincide with Canada's 150th birthday, but it now seems that deadline won't be met.
