The Empire Living Centre along with the Heritage Committee paid tribute to the man who built the downtown hotel back in 1928.
Leo Mascioli, an Italian Canadian from Timmins, died in the early 1950’s.
However, members of his family stood proud today at the press conference where the Empire Living Centre Library hosted a ribbon cutting and dedication of the library in his name.
Sandy O’Grady is one of his granddaughters.
The Timmins native recalls Leo being an energetic man and told the sad stories of when he was one of many Italians put into camps during the Second World War.
“He was an amazing guy and he accomplished so many amazing things so very long ago, “ said O’Grady, who donated a book called the “Italian” to the library, which included the story of Leo’s time as a Canadian-Italian during World War II.
“He’d be so tickled, you just have no idea. I wish I could speak in his italian accent ‘by god it’s wonderful,’ and he always wanted things to be better - whatever there was, let’s improve it and that library in his name is just the acme, he’d be thrilled.”
After the ribbon cutting the North Bay Municipal Heritage Committee also unveiled a Heritage Site Plaque located on McIntyre Street.
Pete Handley, Chair of the Heritage Committee, says the building which opened in 1928 in downtown North Bay, deserves the recognition as a Heritage One designation.
The Empire is the only structure in North Bay to be designated a Priority-One, the highest possible level of historical and architectural significance, and be part of the Heritage Site Plaque program.
“The Heritage One sight plaque basically tells the story of the Empire which was the social centre for North Bay life for close to half a century,” said Handley.
Notable guests to the hotel which is now a retirement home, included Princess Elizabeth, Prince Phillip and movie stars like James Cagney.
“Anything that was important, took place here,” said Handley.
“Any person who was important when they came to town, stayed here. A social centre in North Bay for more than a half century, I think it’s worth celebrating.”
