(PHOTO: The City is proposing changing the name of Bell Memorial Park on Stittsville Main Street “W.J. Bell Rotary Peace Park”. This photo is from the opening ceremonies for the park in October 2015.)
(via City of Ottawa)
The City of Ottawa Commemorative Naming Committee is conducting online public consultations on several naming proposals, including several parks in Stittsville and two nearby rinks in Kanata South, The deadline for submitting comments online is December 18, 2016.
Joe Lewis Park – (Ward 6 – Stittsville)
In recognition of his historical significance to the community of Stittsville, the City of Ottawa has been asked to name a future park at Potter’s Key Subdivision, 6111 and 6141 Hazeldean Road, “Joe Lewis Park”.
Joe Lewis moved to Stittsville in 1906. He worked on various jobs in the area until the opportunity arose to rent a property and open his own grocery, flour and feed business on Main Street.
In 1911, Joe Lewis purchased another Main Street store where he sold a wide variety of goods from footwear and hats to shingles and coal. Joe’s customers came from all over Stittsville and Goulbourn Township. Joe’s other accomplishments in the community include installing the first hand-pumped gasoline service to Stittsville, and creating the first “taxi” service in the area by offering horse and buggy transportation for train passengers.
W.J. Bell Rotary Peace Park – (Ward 6 – Stittsville)
In recognition of the extensive community service of W.J. Bell, the City of Ottawa has been asked to re-name Bell Memorial Park at 1751 Stittsville Main Street “W.J. Bell Rotary Peace Park”.
W.J. Bell donated the park land with the aim that it be enjoyed for generations to come. While not a Rotarian himself, Bell’s next of kin, Grace Bell, is a charter member of the Rotary Club of Ottawa-Stittsville. Bell’s family and the Stittsville Rotary Club brought forward the name change in order to reflect the objectives of encouraging and fostering peace.
The proposed name “W.J. Bell Rotary Peace Park” reflects the aims of the Peace Park housed within the park, while continuing to commemorate W. J. Bell himself.
Albert Argue Black – (Ward 6 – Stittsville)
In recognition of his historical significance to the community of Stittsville, the City of Ottawa has been asked to name a future park at 735 Rosehill Avenue, “Albert Argue Black Park”.
Albert Argue Black’s family has long ties to the community. The original Black family home on Huntmar Drive was settled in the early 1800s.
The first meeting of the Village of Stittsville was held in January 1961. Albert became a Councillor for the new village and continued in the position for several years until Reeve Silas C. Bradley retired. Albert was elected Reeve and held the position until Stittsville was amalgamated into Goulbourn Township in 1974.
Albert also served his community by holding positions on the boards of Carleton Place Hospital and Carleton Cathcart Apartments. Albert coached baseball and hockey in the community and was on the committee to build the first community centre in the village.
Ray McCaffrey Park – (Ward 6 – Stittsville)
In recognition of Ray McCaffrey’s demonstrated excellence, courage and exceptional community service, the City of Ottawa has been asked to name a future park at 170 Hickstead Way, within the new residential development at 1921 Stittsville Main Street, “Ray McCaffrey Park”.
A long-time resident of Stittsville, Ray McCaffrey was heavily involved in the growth and development of the town. Ray served the community as the Fire Chief from 1959 to 1967.Ray also volunteered extensively in the community and helped build the Johnny Laroux Arena (formerly known as Stittsville Arena).
Chris Neil Rink – (Ward 23 – Kanata South)
In recognition of Chris Neil’s extensive community service, the City of Ottawa has been asked to name a ice rink within Meadowbreeze Park located at 98 Meadowbreeze Drive “Chris Neil Rink”.
Chris Neil has been a strong community supporter since he joined the Ottawa Senators hockey team in 2001.
Chris and his wife Caitlin are co-chairs of Roger’s House, a hospice for pediatric palliative care. Through the Sens Foundation, Chris Neil also supports many other charities.
Chris Phillips Rink – (Ward 23 – Kanata South)
In recognition of Chris Phillips’ extensive community service, the City of Ottawa has been asked to name an ice rink within Kristina Kiss Park at 100 Akerson Road “Chris Phillips Rink”.
Chris Phillips has been a strong community supporter since he joined the Ottawa Senators hockey team in 1997.
Chris and his wife support more than 20 charities and not-for-profit organizations including the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Candlelighters childhood cancer support program and Hockey Fights Cancer.
To view these proposals online and to provide input, visit ottawa.ca.
I prefer Bell Memorial Park.
Why do you prefer that one?
It has a shorter name, people know it, and it can be remembered. I can’t even remember the name of the proposed name and I just read it a minute ago.