Representatives from nearly 400 Legion Branches across Ontario will be coming to North Bay in May.
The Legion Branches of District H, from Mattawa to Wawa, are hosting the 52nd Biennial Convention of The Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Provincial Command.
The convention is taking place May 14-17, 2022 at Nipissing University.
One highlight includes a parade of veterans and Legion members marching from the North Bay Museum to the Memorial Park Cenotaph on First Avenue Sunday, May 15, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.
“There has already been significant interest from Legion members throughout the province,” says Sherry Culling, Local Arrangements Committee Chair. “We are working closely with the City of North Bay and anticipate that this convention will generate significant spin-off business to the area, including hotels, meals and purchases at local stores.”
Legion Branches in Callander and West Ferris will also be hosting evening events, including the Biennial Provincial President’s Dinner.
“When I found out that North Bay was selected to host the 52nd Biennial Convention of Ontario Provincial Command, I almost did a Newfie jig,” says Garry Pond, Legion Provincial President. “There were three very important life events that happened for me in North Bay. It was my first posting in The Canadian Armed Forces, I met and married my wonderful wife Linda, and it is where my daughter Rhonda was born.”
The Legion says the last time an Ontario Provincial Convention was held in North Bay was in June 1965.
