Veteran councillor George Marossis would like the Civic long weekend to be renamed to reflect the relationship between the City and the area's First Nations.
The Civic Holiday is celebrated on the first Monday of August and although it's a public holiday in Ontario, it is not a statutory holiday although many people get the day off.
A motion to be introduced at tonight's council meeting by Maroosis, and seconded by Mac Bain states:
- Whereas Municipalities in Ontario have the ability to rename the annual Civic Holiday to a Local Name; And
- Whereas the City of North Bay and Nipissing First Nation enjoy a strong friendship and bond between the two communities that is recognized across the Province; And
- Whereas the indigenous Community is an integral part of the City of North Bay’s history; And
- Whereas City Council recognizes, fully endorses and supports the spirit of friendship and strong bond between the two communities; And
- Whereas the City of North Bay and Nipissing First Nation share a common boundary on a map, more importantly, the two communities believe in working together to build stronger communities;
Therefore be it resolved that the two communities be engaged in formally naming the first Monday in August, in each year, commonly known as the Civic Holiday, to reflect the true spirit of strong friendship between the two communities for August 6, 2018.
