A new mural is welcoming visitors to Main Street in downtown North Bay.
Entrepreneur Tom Richardson led the way for a giant fish mural at 360 Main Street East next to the empty Midas Muffler location on the corner of Main and Fisher.
The project was originally going to take place at the abandoned City Laundry building on McIntyre Street East. However, city officials told Richardson the building was scheduled to be torn down, which led to the location switch.
"We are so pleased to see such a positive/beautiful transformation to the Main East entrance to Downtown North Bay," Richardson told BayToday.
"The outpouring of support from our community has been very motivating."
Richardson credits area muralist Mique Michelle for working her magic on the Main Street East wall.
"The extremely talented muralist Mique Michelle from Field, Ont., has been an absolute pleasure to work with," stated Richardson.
"Her adaptation from the City Laundry project to 360 Main E wall was inspiring. The mural of vibrant local fish is beautiful. We encourage everyone to take action, seek positive change, and help those who need it."
Richardson credits many for the mural success. A GoFundMe campaign was used to raise $1220 towards the project.
Bonnie Zufelt, who operates Partners Billiards across the street from the new mural, has been thrilled to see the new Main Street artwork. Zufelt has been a vocal advocate for intervention by police and city officials to address the criminal and social issues in the neighbourhood.
See related: 'We need help' businesswoman pleads to police and civic leaders
"What incredible talent by Mique Michelle working on this mural across the street from Partners," stated Zufelt.
"We cannot thank Mique and Tom Richardson enough for taking on this project to clean up our neighbourhood."
The mural is the second major downtown project Richardson has spearheaded. Last summer, Richardson led a successful renovation project at the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in downtown North Bay.
