This parkette is going to be named after a long-time North Bay city councillor

A long-time North Bay city councillor, businessman and community leader will soon have a parkette named in his honour. 

George Maroosis served on city council for a total of 34 years — including a 24-year stretch from 1982 to 2006 — making him the longest-serving council member at the time of his passing in 2023 at the age of 77.

He also nearly became the Liberal MPP for Nipissing, losing a 2002 byelection by 19 votes to then Conservative candidate and future North Bay Mayor Al McDonald. 

Maroosis also served on multiple local not-for-profit boards, was the founding chair of the District of Nipissing Social Services Board and owned and operated the KBros Maroosis Art Centre.

Coun. Lana Mitchell said she first meet Maroosis at a meeting in West Ferris in 1985.

"I quite blatantly shared my opinion about politicians that only cared about poor people at election time," she said.

"The two councillors with him did not last long at that meeting."

Mitchell said Maroosis pointed out that at the time, North Bay wasn't meeting the challenges of working poor families.

"I've watched him work hard with people to create childcare, housing and employment opportunities for the citizens of North Bay," she said.

"I've never met anyone who truly placed value on people from all walks of life, respected everyone's point of view and never judged people."

'His legacy will carry on'

Coun. Gary Gardiner said Maroosis was always willing to take time to speak with others.

"We would talk for hours sometimes on all kinds of issues," he said.

"He was always great to listen to you. And he offered me, I think the greatest advice, was never to take yourself too seriously and to respect other people's opinions."

Coun. Chris Mayne said he worked on council with Maroosis for many years. He shared a story about visiting Maroosis at his store.

"George had a secret garden where he could go and have a smoke," he said.

"It was a beautiful little garden. But no one ever knew about it because you really had to be invited by George back there."

North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico said he saw Maroosis shortly before his death, when the former long-time councillor told him: "surprisingly, you're doing a really good job."

"I wasn't quite sure how to take that," he said.

"We had a good chuckle and unfortunately that afternoon, I learned that he had passed away. That was a tough day for the family, tough day for the City of North Bay. But his legacy will carry on with the dedication of this parkette."

The motion to name the park after Maroosis passed unanimously.