The Community and Protective Services Committee approved commemorative naming proposals for two new parks in Stittsville on August 29, 2019.
The Committee has given approval for the proposed “Alfred McCoy Park” located at West Ridge Park “B” park, at 73 West Ridge Drive. The second proposed name receiving approval is for a future park to be named the “Mark Yakabuski Park” that will be located at 315 Haliburton Heights in the Fernbank .
Alfred McCoy, a local business leader was instrumental in ensuring that a baseball field, tennis courts and an outdoor skating rink were installed on the current site of the Carleton Apartments on Carleton-Cathcart Street back in 1950’s and 60’s. He provided a recreation area where the youth and adults in Stittsville participated in the facilities he brought to our community. This park, named in his honour, has been a long time coming.
In the proposal document, Councillor Glen Gower, added his comments indicating that a permanent park named in Mr. McCoy’s name is finally being rectified. “…The commemorative naming of West Ridge Park B rectifies an oversight and brings back the name of Alfred McCoy to Stittsville’s recreational amenities. Thank you to the community members who brought this oversight to the City’s attention”, wrote Gower.
Mark Yakabuski had an exceptional impact on our community of Stittsville over the years through his extensive community service. He became a fixture at the Johnny Leroux Community Centre on Warner-Colpitts Lane, where he spent many hours coaching and mentoring local players in the Stittsville Minor Hockey Association. After suffering a serious spinal injury, Mark remained positive and upbeat, continuing to inspire young hockey players.
Councillor Gower was also supportive of the naming proposal for Mr. Yakabuski.
These two new park names will go to Ottawa Council on September 11 for final approval. Once final approval is received a ceremonial event will be held to unveil a plaque in each park.