North Bay is Officially 100

By Richard Coffin

It’s been a century of growth, opportunity and community.  

Those words from Mayor Peter Chirico as North Bay officially marked the 100th anniversary of receiving city status from the province.  

“We see what has been built and what is maintained, and it is that community that makes this city,” he says. “It’s our community and the people that comprise our community and make it very special.  I couldn’t be more honoured to be the mayor of the city during the 100th.  It only comes around once.”  

MP Anthony Rota’s grandfather moved here in 1903 from Italy to work on the railway.   

“We’ve raised generation after generation here and very proud to be North Bayites,” he says. “What we’ve accomplished over the last 100 years is really great.  North Bay is well known for its generosity, ability to work with people and its location right in the heart of Ontario and the heart of Canada for that matter.”  

A centennial celebration was held at City Hall on Monday.  

Numerous speakers echoed the sentiments of community driving the city’s growth, from entrepreneurs and businesses being legacy builders to generations of employees working in rail and community partnerships supporting the military’s security mission.  

There was also a video presentation, displays, a giant card to sign, anniversary cookies and more.  

It was one of many events being held to mark 100 years.  

“We’ve got Armed Forces Day.  We’ve got Homecoming Week.  We’ve got families first,” says Mayor Chirico. “You name it, we’ve got it.  Come out and enjoy.”  

For more information on the dozens of upcoming events, visit the city’s website. 

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