Airport Way is now officially Bob Wood Drive.
A virtual ceremony was held Friday morning honouring the long-time Nipissing MP for his contributions to the area.
Wood served as a radio broadcaster, a deputy mayor and a member of parliament in the Nipissing District from 1988 to 2004.
Wood was instrumental in keeping the Canadian Forces Base in North Bay in the 1990s when there were plans in place to move it to Manitoba.
On hand for the virtual ceremony was Nipissing-Timiskaming MP, Anthony Rota, who recalled looking up to Wood while growing up in North Bay. Rota says “Bob Wood Drive” is a fitting name for the new street.
“What an excellent and fitting expression. Bob Wood has drive,” Rota said. “We saw that drive when it came to standing up for the airport and base.”
Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli also gave credit to Wood for his role in keeping the CFB base in North Bay.
“I know when it came to negotiating with CFB North Bay, it could be summed up in one sentence: ‘we knew Woody would get his way’,” Fedeli remarked. “I think this is absolutely super.”
Mike Harris, former Ontario premier who was the MPP for the area while Wood was MP, complimented Wood’s work despite the two representing different political parties.
“You’re one of my heroes and you’re an example to those in elected office,” Harris said. “I have no doubt without Bob Wood, the airbase would be in Manitoba.”
Wood was humbled by the sentiments of his peers, giving a statement at the end of the presentation.
“Having a street named after me is such an incredible honour,” he said. “I hope in the near distant future, family and friends will look at this sign and smile and know how much this great city and its people have meant to me.”
Wood was presented with the newly-made sign, which now officially takes over Airport Way.
