Cold War Veterans Blog

Cold War relic on the move
BOMARC MISSILE: Museum claims weapon

Posted By GORD YOUNG THE NUGGET
Posted 5 days ago


The historic Bomarc missile displayed in Veterans Park will no longer stand as a visible symbol of the city's role during the Cold War.

The missile is slated to be removed early Tuesday morning by the National Museum of the United States Air Force, which has loaned the now-defunct weapon to the city since 1979 when it was erected by the North Bay Kiwanis Club as a historic memorial.

Dave Linkie, the city's chief administrative officer, said the city agreed to the removal of the missile because it has deteriorated to the point where it can no longer be maintained.

It's a sound decsion," said Linkie, noting attempts to refurbish the missile by sanding, cutting or drilling could result in the release of magnesium thorium, a radioactive metallic element.

He said the Bomarc in its current undisturbed state does not pose a hazard, although its removal is considered a proactive step.

A release issued by the city Friday said the missile represented a part of the community's history that intrinsically tied it to global events and a positive relationship with the U. S.

We are proud to continue to be the host community for a USAF presence," said the release.

Unfortunately, the missile which was designed and built for single use and to be housed in an enclosed silo has deteriorated to the point where it must be removed."

A total of 56 of the nuclear-armed surface-to-air interceptor missiles were in sevice in Canada at North Bay and La Macaza, Que., from 1961 to 1972. In North Bay, there were 28 missiles located at the former Bomarc missile base -- the site on Highway 11 north of the city which eventually became the Canadore College Heliport.