The North Bay Heritage Carousel and Railway
Posted: August 4, 2006 | News Bites Home

If you're passing through North Bay, Ontario this summer, swing past Lake Nipissing and visit this city's famous outdoor attractions: the two Heritage Carousels, the Heritage Railway and the Heritage Gardens flowing along the lakeside.

These attractions are the result of phenomenal community involvement and are testament to the true spirit of volunteerism with over 700 volunteers involved! Combined, the volunteers have in excess of 900 years of rail experience! Local artisans, craftspeople, gardeners and businesses lent their talents and resources to make these waterfront attractions a reality.

Lynn Johnston Productions Inc. contributed artwork for one of the carousels (see the photos below). Lynn's husband Rod, helped get the Heritage Railway started back in the early 90's with then Mayor Stan Lawlor to preserve the railway history of North Bay. Rod is now Chairman of the Heritage Railway and Carousel Company and also Chairs the Board of the Community Waterfront Friends, a group of citizens aiming to make a vision of a socially, environmentally and economically sustainable "Waterfront Park for the People" a reality.

The concept is based on Central Park in New York City - but on a much smaller scale!! In the late 90's the idea to add a Carousel to the site was brought forward and embraced by the group of volunteers.

There are some amazing things in store for the community's waterfront. You can learn more about North Bay and its natural wonders at the following websites:

Community Waterfront Friends: www.waterfrontfriends.org
Heritage North Bay: www.heritagenorthbay.com