North Bay a Top 20 hit

North Bay has been chose one of 20 best places to live in Canada by 50Plus magazine.

The publication, published by the Canadian Association for Retired Persons, places North Bay in a list which includes Comox Valley, B.C.; Camrose, Alta.; Estevan, Sask.; Gimli, Man.; Goderich, Ont.; Trois-Rivieres, Que.; Lunenburg, N.S.; Summerside, PEI; Saint John, NB; and Corner Brook, NFLD.

Small, accessible, with low crime
None of the places selected could be considered a major city in terms of population.

And that, said North Bay Mayor Vic Fedeli, seems indicative of what 50Plus views as a great city to live in.

“To them a great city to live in is small, accessible, with low crime, a major airport, those were all the things I read about in the article that they were interested in,” Fedeli said.

Arts, culture and recreation
The 50Plus article, which appears in the May 2004 issue, states the North Bay profile was written based on information submitted by Ann Trusler, of Century 21 Blue Sky Region Realty.

It mentions average winter and summer temperatures as well as annual snowfall and rainfall data. As well the cost of a bungalow is listed at $158,000, a standard two-storey at $147,000, a condominium at $110,000, while the monthly rent of a two-bedroom apartment is listed at between $700 top $1,200 per month.

The article talks about North Bay’s transit system and its $50 monthly pass for seniors, air service. It states Via Rail services North Bay, but does not mention the Northlander.

Arts, culture and recreation are featured prominently in the article, with references to the Capitol Centre, local museums, the North Bay Heritage Festival and International Air Show, the waterfront and the mini-train and carousel as well as golfing.

Property taxes not mentioned
Another section of the article talks about health care and long-term care, mentioning North Bay has 77 family physicians and 28 dentists.

Property taxes, though, aren’t mentioned in the story, which, Fedeli said, “was kind of surprising.”

“They were most interested in arts and culture and leisure facilities and medical facilities, medical was very big in the story, but it also had to do with growth and air service, it had to do with low crime, and it really was all about quality of life, and never reflected any discussion on taxes,” Fedeli said.

Economic development tool
While the article is aimed at retirees, Fedeli believes North Bay will be able to use it to attract business.

“Certainly it was done for people over 50 as a great place to retire, but we would use it as an economic development tool because it really publicizes the community, for, quite seriously begin a great place to live with all the amenities, arts, culture,” Fedeli said.

“So we will with their permission reprint the cover and inside of the magazine spread on North Bay and use that as a mailing piece.”