A Sherman Tank with historical ties to the Algonquin Regiment will soon become a new feature at Lee Park, recognizing North Bay’s military heritage and the service and sacrifice of Canadians during the Second World War.
Approved by North Bay City Council on Tuesday, the Sherman Tank will be provided to the City of North Bay by the Canadian War Museum through a 10-year loan agreement. The tank will be displayed on a concrete pad near the existing CF-100 monument at the corner of Memorial Drive and Judge Avenue, creating an expanded space dedicated to recognizing North Bay’s military history.
The tank will be restored by the Canadian War Museum with markings representing the Algonquin Regiment. The Algonquin Regiment, a Canadian infantry regiment, fought in the campaign to liberate Europe during the Second World War and later trained with Sherman Tanks in the 1960s.
“North Bay has a proud military history,” said Mayor Peter Chirico. “Bringing this Sherman Tank to Lee Park provides another meaningful way to recognize the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served our country, while preserving a piece of our military heritage for future generations.”
The Canadian War Museum is lending the tank to the City for a 10-year term, subject to completion of the final loan agreement. The refurbished tank will be transported from Ottawa to North Bay and installed at Lee Park.
“The Sherman Tank’s connection to the Algonquin Regiment and North Bay’s military heritage makes this a fitting opportunity to bring a meaningful artifact closer to the community,” said James Whitham, Director General, Canadian War Museum and Vice-President, Research, Collections and Exhibitions, Canadian Museum of History. “The Canadian War Museum is proud to work with communities such as North Bay to share the stories held in its collections with Canadians across the country, helping them connect with our shared military heritage.”