STAFF REPORT ACTION REQUIRED

Proposed renaming of Eglinton Flats Park – North East Quadrant to Fergy Brown Park

Date: June 21, 2007

To: York Community Council

From: General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation

Wards: Ward 11 – York South-Weston

Reference Number:

SUMMARY

This report seeks Council approval to rename Eglinton Flats Park – North East Quadrant, to Fergy Brown Park.

Parks, Forestry & Recreation staff have exercised due diligence in ensuring that all criteria in the Naming and Renaming Policy has been met and recommends the renaming of the Eglinton Flats Park – North East Quadrant, to Fergy Brown Park.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The General Manager of Parks, Forestry and Recreation recommends that the Etobicoke Community Council approve the renaming of Eglinton Flats Park – North East Quadrant, located at 101 Emmett Avenue at the corner of Eglinton Avenue and Jane Street to Fergy Brown Park.

Financial Impact

There are no financial implications resulting from the adoption of this report other than replacing the park sign where appropriate. Funds are available within the Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division’s 2007 approved operating budget.

Staff report for action on Renaming of Eglinton Flats Park – North East Quadrant, to Fergy Brown Park 1

DECISION HISTORY

A letter was sent to Councillor Frances Nunziata from Mike Colle who is the MPP for Eglinton Lawrence who proposed to name the park located on the north side of Eglinton Avenue near Jane Street in honour of Fergy Brown, to recognize his many years of service to the former Borough and City of York.

MMP Mike Colle offered his support if required and offered to submit a letter outlining some of Fergy’s accomplishments throughout his political career.

In addition to the recommendation from Mike Colle, Councillor Frances Nunziata who represents the Ward where Eglinton Flats Park is located, Councillor Joe Mihevc – Ward 21 (St. Paul’s), and Councillor – Ward 13 (Parkdale-High Park) have also supported this initiative.

ISSUE BACKGROUND

Fergy Brown was a member of Canada’s Bomber Command during the Second World War. Fergy Brown began his political career in 1969 where he was elected to the Borough of York’s Council.

In 1978, Fergy Brown was appointed to the Metro & Regional Conservation Authority. That same year, Fergy Brown was elected to York’s Board of Control, giving him a place on the Metro Toronto Council. After his time as Budget Chief, Fergy Brown was made Chair of Metro’s Social Service Committee and was also a member of the Toronto Transit Commission.

In 1988, Fergy Brown saw his dream of becoming Mayor of York become a reality and served as Mayor for two terms.

In addition to his extensive political career, Fergy Brown has been president of the Learning Enrichment Foundation and through his involvement with the York Child & Family Centre, Fergy Brown continues to be involved in the community and was honoured in the 2000 given the York Town Humanitarian Award for Community Service.

COMMENTS

On Wednesday, May 9, 2007, Councillor Frances Nunizata and the local Parks Manager attended a meeting of the Mt. Dennis Community Association and recommended that the North East Quadrant of Eglinton Flats Park be renamed Fergy Brown Park. This was supported by the majority of those in attendance.

Staff report for action on Renaming of Eglinton Flats Park – North East Quadrant, to Fergy Brown Park 2

In the former York area, there are a number of buildings and/or parks named after political representatives. The political and volunteer contributions outlined in this report made by Fergy Brown should be acknowledged by renaming Eglinton Flats Park to Fergy Brown Park.

CONTACT

Kevin Bowser Manager of Parks Tel: 416-394-2486 Fax:416-394-8935 E-mail: [email protected]

SIGNATURE

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Brenda Librecz General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation

Staff report for action on Renaming of Eglinton Flats Park – North East Quadrant, to Fergy Brown Park 3