Brampton renames three facilities and one park to acknowledge contributions of former Council members

The Voice of Canada News:

BRAMPTON, ON: This year, Brampton City Council approved renaming three City facilities and one future park in honour of former Brampton City Council members, to acknowledge their contributions to our city.

Bob Callahan Flower City Seniors Centre

On August 5, 2020, City Council approved renaming the Flower City Seniors Centre to the Bob Callahan Flower City Seniors Centre in honour of former Wards 3 and 4 Brampton Councillor Bob Callahan. This motion was moved by City Councillor Jeff Bowman and seconded by City Councillor Doug Whillans.

Bob Callahan served on Brampton City Council from 1969 to 1985 and 1997 to 2014. During this time, he was instrumental in the development of many Brampton institutions, including the Peel Heritage Complex, City Hall, Gage Park Recreational Skating Trail, the Powerade Centre (now CAA Centre), Alderlea, South Fletcher’s Hockey Complex, new courthouse, and double tracking for the GO trains. He was dedicated to the needs and wellbeing of Brampton’s seniors, and was a member of the Brampton Senior Council.

Located at 8870 McLaughlin Road, the Seniors Centre officially opened in Fall 2005 offering drop-in and registered fitness, education and culture, sports, arts and crafts and special events programming for older adults.

Susan Fennell Sportsplex

On September 30, 2020, City Council approved renaming the South Fletcher’s Sportsplex to the Susan Fennell Sportsplex in honour of former Brampton Mayor Susan Fennell. This motion was moved by Regional Councillor Martin Medeiros and seconded by Regional Councillors Michael Palleschi, Paul Vicente, Pat Fortini and Rowena Santos.

Susan Fennell served on Brampton City Council from 1988 to 2014. During this time, she was instrumental in bringing the South Fletcher’s Sportsplex to life, and it was under her leadership that some of the City’s most iconic projects were completed, including The Rose Theatre, Flower City Community Campus and Seniors Centre, Cassie Campbell Community Centre, Brampton Soccer Centre, Gore Meadows Community Centre, and renovating and modernizing Century Gardens Recreation Centre and Chinguacousy Park. She played a lead role in the City of Brampton’s effort that secured $200 million in matching federal and provincial funding to make Brampton’s Züm Bus Rapid Transit program a reality, and successfully advocated for discounted fares for seniors and veterans. She also led the development of a first-of-its-kind planning framework for places of worship, helping develop Brampton as one of the most dynamic multi-faith communities in Canada. She also championed heritage preservation, playing a personal role in saving Alderlea, The Kenneth Chisholm Mansion, from demolition. During her administration, more heritage buildings were designated than in the previous 25 years.

Located at 500 Ray Lawson Boulevard, the Sportsplex originally opened on September 28, 1997. The centre offers a variety of registered and drop-in swimming, skating, sports and fitness programs, as well as registered dance, STEM and child and youth programs.

Sandra Hames Curling Club

On February 5, 2020, City Council approved renaming the Chinguacousy Curling Club to the Sandra Hames Curling Club in honour of former Wards 7 and 8 Councillor Sandra Hames. This motion was moved by Regional Councillor Pat Fortini.

Sandra Hames served on Brampton City Council from 1991 to 2014. During this time, she served on many sports committees, such as the Brampton Soccer Advisory Committee, Brampton Cricket Advisory Committee, Brampton Sports Alliance, Brampton Sports Hall of Fame, Chinguacousy Figure Skating and Chinguacousy Club. She was recognized with the Marv White Award by the Chinguacousy Curling Club, which is given to a member who greatly contributes to the betterment of the club and the game of curling both on and off the ice.

Located at 150 Central Park Drive, the Curling Club originally opened in 1973, with the City of Brampton taking over operations in 1976. The facility houses curling and indoor winter tennis amenities and is home to more than 30 user groups.

John Sprovieri Park

On September 30, City Council approved naming a future park at Goreway Drive and Humberwest Parkway after former Wards 9 and 10 Brampton Councillor John Sprovieri. This motion was moved by Regional Councillor Pat Fortini.

John Sprovieri served on Brampton City Council from 1988 to 2018. During this time, he was dedicated to the growth and potential of his wards. He oversaw the growth of Ward 10 from about 8,000 people to about 150,000 people across Wards 8 (which used to be a part of Ward 10), 9 and 10. A community and business-minded Councillor, he introduced the idea of executive housing in Brampton, around the Castlemore Estates to inspire professionals and business people to live, work and play in Brampton, contributing to the diverse, vibrant community here today. He was also instrumental in bringing the Chinguacousy Wellness Centre, Brampton Soccer Centre, Gore Meadows Community Centre and two libraries to life to enhance our community.

Quotes

“Brampton has a rich history that is built on the dedication and contributions of many individuals who have played a key role in making it the bustling, vibrant city it is today. I want to thank all of the former Brampton City Council members for their tireless commitment to developing our city.”- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

“Brampton is the third-largest city in the Greater Toronto Area, and the ninth-largest city in Canada. We have come a long way since our historic roots as the Flower Town and that’s largely thanks to the progressive commitment of these former Council members.”- Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Chair, Community Services, City of Brampton

“I am excited that we are recognizing these former Brampton Council members for their devotion to making the city a better place for all to live, play and work. It’s important for residents to understand that many programs and facilities they enjoy came to fruition thanks to the leadership of former Council members.”– Charmaine Williams, City Councillor, Wards 7 & 8; Vice-Chair, Community Services, City of Brampton

“City staff have already begun moving forward with these asset renamings. Over the coming months, we will be updating all signage, and once it is safe to do so, staff will host commemorative events with relevant stakeholders.” –  David Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton