Nipissing University will be the site as the Legion Branches of District H host the 52nd Biennial Convention of The Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Provincial Command from May 14 to 17.
It's a real feather in the cap for local organizers.
The last time an Ontario Provincial Convention was held in North Bay was over 50 years ago in June 1965.
Over 600 delegates from 393 Legions across Ontario are expected to attend, as well as guests from all over Canada, including Provincial Presidents from other provinces.
Delegates will begin to arrive in the city on Friday, May 13.
"We hope it will attract a lot of people from the north that wouldn't get the opportunity otherwise," spokesman Marc Picard told BayToday.
“There has already been significant interest from Legion members throughout the province," said Sherry Culling, Local Arrangements Committee Chair. "We are looking forward to showing off northern Ontario!. We anticipate that this convention will generate significant spin-off business to the area, including hotels, meals and purchases at local stores.”
Legion Branches in Callander and West Ferris will also be hosting evening events for the delegates, including the Biennial Provincial President’s Dinner.
North Bay was selected to host this Convention when voted by the delegates at the 2019 Convention in Niagara Falls. The COVID-19 pandemic deferred plans until this year.
Legion Provincial President, Garry Pond stated “I am thrilled that North Bay will host our Convention. After the long and arduous journey, we have all experienced with COVID-19, I anticipate the sharing of great Legion accomplishments. We wish to create new objectives while enjoying a time of celebration and camaraderie.”
Pond added, “When I found out that North Bay was selected to host I almost did a Newfie jig! There were three very important life events that happened for me in North Bay. It was my first posting in The Canadian Armed Forces, I met and married my wonderful wife Linda, and it is where my daughter Rhonda was born.”
The theme of the Convention is “Working Together.”
The Convention will be honoured by a Legion Flag raising ceremony at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, May 13th at North Bay City Hall.
On Sunday morning, May 15th a parade of Veterans and Legion members will form up at the Discovery North Bay Museum and march off at 10:15 a.m. to the Memorial Park Cenotaph on First Avenue followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.
They are looking for volunteers. If you can help visit their website for sponsorship and volunteering opportunities.
