City seeking public input on commemorative naming proposals

The City of Ottawa is conducting public consultations on five separate commemorative naming proposals to:

• Rename Confederation Park in Alta Vista, 2350 Russell Road, to Andrea Thompson Park
• Rename the Van Lang Field House, 29 Van Lang Private, to Paul Dewar Field House
• Rename Kimmons Court Park in Kanata, 250 Walden Drive, to Sindy Hooper Park
• Name the arena at the Navan Memorial Centre, 1295 Colonial Road in Cumberland, to the Steve Barban Arena
• Name the boardroom in the Fred Barrett Arena, 3280 Leitrim Road, to the Steve Gilroy Boardroom

Andrea Thompson Park (Ward 18 – Alta Vista) To honour Andrea Thompson’s lifelong commitment to supporting marginalized communities, the City proposes renaming Confederation Park to “Andrea Thompson Park.” As Executive Director of the Confederation Court Community House and recipient of the United Way’s Community Builder of the Year award (2016), Andrea’s leadership continues to uplift Ottawa’s most vulnerable residents.

Paul Dewar Field House (Ward 15 – Kitchissippi) To recognize Paul Dewar’s outstanding leadership and advocacy for equity and youth empowerment, the City proposes renaming the Van Lang Field House to the “Paul Dewar Field House.” A former MP for Ottawa Centre, from 2006 to 2015, Paul launched “Youth Action Now” in 2018 and was awarded the Key to the City for his lasting contributions to civic engagement and education.

Sindy Hooper Park (Ward 4 – Kanata North) The City proposes renaming Kimmons Court Park to “Sindy Hooper Park” in tribute to Sindy’s inspiring advocacy and fundraising for pancreatic cancer research. Diagnosed in 2013, Sindy defied odds and raised over $550,000 through athletic events. Her courage and generosity continue to inspire hope in the community.

Steve Barban Arena (Ward 19 – Orléans South-Navan) In honour of Steve Barban’s decades-long dedication to hockey and youth development in Cumberland, the City proposes naming the arena at the Navan Memorial Centre the “Steve Barban Arena.” Steve’s leadership with the Navan Grads and support for competitive hockey—especially for girls and underprivileged players—left a lasting legacy in the community.

Steve Gilroy Boardroom (Ward 22 – Riverside South-Findlay Creek) In recognition of Steve Gilroy’s exceptional community service, the City proposes naming the boardroom in Fred Barrett Arena the “Steve Gilroy Boardroom.” Steve’s tireless volunteer work, especially maintaining the outdoor hockey rink, helped foster a vibrant, inclusive space in Findlay Creek where residents of all ages could connect and build lasting memories.

If you would like to submit comments regarding one or more of the proposals, please complete the survey on Engage Ottawa by Wednesday, October 15.

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