Agenda – Standing Policy Committee on Protection, Community Services and Parks – May 18, 2018

REPORTS

Item No. 1 Park Renaming – Burrows-King Edward Park to George Heshka Park

COMMUNITY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:

On May 15, 2018, the Lord Selkirk-West Kildonan Community Committee recommended to the Standing Policy Committee on Protection, Community Services and Parks that Burrows-King Edward Park be renamed to George Heshka Park, to honour Mr. Heshka’s many contributions as an outstanding educator in and recognize his teaching legacy at Sisler High School.

1 Agenda – Standing Policy Committee on Protection, Community Services and Parks – May 18, 2018

DECISION MAKING HISTORY:

COMMUNITY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:

On May 15, 2018, the Lord Selkirk-West Kildonan Community Committee moved the following motion:

WHEREAS George Nicholas Heshka was born in Winnipeg on December 6, 1933, and is a lifelong resident of Winnipeg;

AND WHEREAS Mr. George Heshka learned in Grade 6 from his teacher, Ms. Barbara McCord, to love literature and education;

AND WHEREAS Mr. George Heshka graduated from the University of with a degree in science and received his Bachelor of Education;

AND WHEREAS Mr. George Heshka devoted his life’s teachings to two causes: social activism and education; and is known as “Mr. Inner City” because of his tireless work on behalf of Winnipeg’s poorest and most vulnerable citizens;

AND WHEREAS Mr. Heshka is the Principal of Sisler High School, and has been the school principal since 1980.

AND WHEREAS Sisler High School is Manitoba’s largest high school with over 1,900 students and, as stated by Mclean’s Magazine, is ranked one of ’s ten best schools and the best all- around high school;.

AND WHEREAS Mr. Heshka is known as a visionary leader in the heart of Winnipeg’s north end and his progressive ideas have transformed Sisler High School into an innovative institute with award-winning programs in career exploration, youth entrepreneurship, women in trades, robotics, and self-directed learning;

AND WHEREAS Mr. Heshka forged a partnership between the and Sisler High School allowing students to receive university credits while in high school;

AND WHEREAS Mr. Heshka’s work and commitment to Sisler High School has spanned 38 years and has greatly contributed to the pride and legacy of Sisler High School, which is renowned for providing quality education to generations of leaders;

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DECISION MAKING HISTORY (continued):

AND WHEREAS Mr. Heshka was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012, and received an honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of Winnipeg, as well as being officially invested into the Order of Manitoba on July 15, 2013;

AND WHEREAS Mr. Heshka’s was nominated as “the greatest Manitoban” in a campaign led by the Winnipeg Free Press for his brilliance, passion for excellence, and a love and respect for his students that has transcended generations;

AND WHEREAS it is desirous from the community of the Point Douglas Ward to commemorate Mr. Heshka by renaming Burrows-King Edward Park to “George Heshka Park” to honour his lifetime of achievements and teachings;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Burrows-King Edward Park be renamed to “George Heshka Park” to honour Mr. Heshka’s many contributions as an outstanding educator in Winnipeg and recognize his teaching legacy at Sisler High School.

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