A plaque naming the public space outside the North Bay Museum in honour of former mayor Jack Burrows was quietly unveiled to his family today.
Mayor Al McDonald joined members of the Burrows family at the civic square site, now called Jack Burrows Place, for an unofficial ceremony.
The naming of the space is the result of a Council motion last year which received unanimous support. A community dedication, which was originally anticipated, will now be held at a later date when large public gatherings are no longer restricted.
See: That big open space next to the museum will soon have a name
And: Waterfront plaza to be named after former North Bay Mayor
“It is an honour to be able to recognize Jack in this way, and I want to thank Coun. Chris Mayne for bringing the motion forward and other members of Council for their unified support,” said Mayor McDonald. “I can’t think of a more fitting tribute.”
Burrows served as a member of city council from 1989 to 1995 followed by three terms as mayor until 2003.
One of his many contributions as mayor was to champion the purchase of the former Canadian Pacific Railway lands and to set in motion the development of the North Bay waterfront. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 81.
The plaque, which was prepared with the assistance of the North Bay Municipal Heritage Committee, features images of the former mayor and highlights his personal and political history.
“Jack would feel incredibly honoured if he were here today,” said his wife, Elaine Burrows. “This will serve as a permanent reminder of his contributions to the community and his vision for the waterfront.”
Burrows also has a spot on the Kiwanis D.I.A. Walk of Fame on Main Street.
The man with the original vision, former mayor Bruce Goulet, has already been honoured, as the waterfront is officially called the Goulet Golden Mile.
