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Powassan welcomes motorcycle rally after North Bay passes

Canada Day long weekend could see Powassan's population double

At a launch event for the upcoming Powassan Motorcycle Rally Wednesday, Mayor Peter McIsaac welcomed Don Smith, Chairman of Bikers Battling Cancer, Inc., a not-for-profit group that will raise funds through the event that will benefit cancer care programs at the North Bay Regional Health Centre.

Last October, Smith, presented the group's proposal to North Bay City Council to hold a similar event utilizing facilities in Thomson Park and at Memorial Gardens. North Bay passed, and Smith and his organization sought out the greener pastures of rural Powassan to raise money for a good cause, and to bring the potential economic spike of thousands of visitors on Canada's 150th birthday weekend to a town that is happy to host.

Said Smith, "Mayor McDonald and the staff up there were great to work with, it took a while to work through things, as they do with any process. At the end of the day, they have restrictions and guidelines they have to follow. Unfortunately, we just couldn't put it together."

The group had proposed that camping would be allowed in Thomson Park, with the facilities at Memorial Gardens to remain open for the weekend of the event for washrooms. The arrangement would have seen these concessions made on an in-kind basis.

"The main item, which is a large attraction for our event, is the camping. Without the exemption for camping, that kind of breaks it. The whole deal just couldn't be put together because of their restrictions," observed Smith.

Moving on from the stalemate in North Bay, Smith said, "I'm committed to doing the event. Our idea was to have a venue in the region, in the area, and we've succeeded."

Smith said that he reached out to the Powassan Agricultural Society after seeing the fairgrounds on a satellite image, and the partnership was formed. The Agricultural Society have been "awesome to work with, as well as the mayor, we've been nothing but well-received and welcomed."

McIsaac said that "we are definitely excited by the potential that this has, how big it could possibly get. At the same time, sales will be tracked online. We don't want people to come and not have a good time because it's too crowded."

Organizers are hoping for 3,000 people to attend each night for the concerts, June 30-July 2. The venue has a capacity of 3,500, so there is room for growth for the event.

Daytime admission to the family-friendly event is free and will feature live entertainment, onsite events, show and shine, contests, Canada Day parade and the Wheels of Hope motorcycle ride, and Smith feels that a $20 price tag for all three concert nights is "very affordable for some great entertainment."

For a full schedule of events, pricing and other information, visit bikersbattlingcancer.ca

When asked if the town is committed beyond this year's event, McIsaac replied, "We are absolutely thrilled that this event is going to be held here. It's great for our town."

"We're looking at passing a by-law so that businesses can be open on Canada Day," to take care of our guests, added McIsaac.

"We don't want people to not have the facilities, not have a good time. We want people to enjoy themselves and want to come back next year, that's the ultimate goal," said the Mayor.

The Powassan Sportsplex will be open for showering and washroom use, and plans are in the works to bus concert-goers to and from surrounding areas for the events at night.

A policing plan for the event, as well as additional security needs, are being addressed by the committee. McIsaac does not expect any trouble, but a security presence is needed at events of this magnitude. No gang colours are welcome at the event.

Tammy Morison, President of the NBRHC Foundation said Wednesday that "we are focused on raising funds for cancer care and we're really excited that the Bikers Battling Cancer Inc.  are donating their proceeds to the foundation."

Morison hoped that the partnership could help fill the void left after the successful Papa Joe Run, which raised over $200,000 for the cause, was ended after a 10-year run.

Bryan Gauthier, agency manager at Allstate Insurance said, "Allstate is a firm believer in helping good causes, and for us, as a local agency, it's a no-brainer. It helps out everybody. We're happy to be a part of this and happy to be the title sponsor."


Stu Campaigne

About the Author: Stu Campaigne

Stu Campaigne is a full-time news reporter for BayToday.ca, focusing on local politics and sharing our community's compelling human interest stories.
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