Sherman tank coming to North Bay’s Lee Park

The Sherman 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. (Photo courtesy of the City of North Bay)

A Sherman Tank similar to those historically used by the Algonquin Regiment will soon become a new feature at Lee Park in North Bay.

The tank is part of an effort 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 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 city said in a news release Aug. 12.

“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.”

‘Proud military history’

“North Bay has a proud military history,” Mayor Peter Chirico said in the news release.

“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 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,” James Whitham, director general of the Canadian War Museum, said in the release.

“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.”