Marathon Beach to be renamed with council approval

With North Bay City Council approval, a motion to be brought forward by Coun. Chris Mayne and seconded by Coun. Mark King would result in the renaming of a popular Lake Nipissing beach to share the importance of the heritage and history of Nipissing First Nation in the North Bay community.

Acknowledging that the City of North Bay is on the ancestral lands of Nipissing First Nation, the motion proposes for Marathon Beach, located adjacent to King's Landing (named in honour of King's late father, Don) to be renamed "Shaabgiizhig Jiigbiik" in Ojibway, and to also be known as "Shabogesic Beach."

Chief Shabogesic was one of the most significant Nipissing First Nation Chiefs and was a signatory to the Robinson–Huron Treaty of 1850.

A plaque would be constructed and placed at Shabogesic Beach in consultation with Nipissing First Nation and in recognition of its heritage as an important part of the community’s history.

Marathon Beach is one of three supervised beaches among 43 swimming accesses in North Bay and is a popular leisure area for community members and visitors alike.

It is named after the real estate arm of Canadian Pacific, Marathon Realty Co. Ltd., which owned the land before selling it to North Bay. Over the years, Marathon Realty acquired millions of acres of land, train stations, rights-of-way, railway lines, warehouses, roundhouse across Canada.

Council will vote on the motion during Tuesday's regular meeting.