Close X
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
ADVT 
National

Toronto's mayor recommends stadium be renamed to honour Rob Ford

Darpan News Desk, 29 Sep, 2017 11:17 AM

    The mayor of Toronto is recommending that a stadium be named after his infamous predecessor — the late Rob Ford.

    In a letter to council, John Tory calls for the renaming of a stadium at Centennial Park, in the city's west end, to Rob Ford Memorial Stadium.

    Tory notes that Ford, who was a lifelong west-end resident, became known for his "unique approach to public service" after being elected to city council in November 2000 and he carried it on after being elected mayor in 2010.

    But he says Ford's community involvement went well beyond politics, and his passion for football led him to found the Newtonbrook North Stars in 1999 and a highly successful football program at Don Bosco Catholic Secondary School in 2002. He also established the Rob Ford Football Foundation, a program that helps fund football programs in high schools across the city.

    Tory says it would be fitting, in light of Ford's many years of work on football programs, to ename a football stadium to honour Ford, who died in March 2016 from a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

    Ford became a certified celebrity in light of his admitted crack cocaine use, alcohol abuse, lewd comments and at times outrageous behaviour that transformed his mayoral office into an unprecedented spectacle.

    Ford, whose clarion call was "time to stop the gravy train," died at age 46, 18 months after a cancer diagnosis scuttled his bid for a second term as mayor, although he easily won election as a councillor in his west-end ward.

    Tory also is recommending council honour two other city council members who have died recently — deputy mayor Pam McConnell, and Coun. Ron Moeser.

    In consultation with the McConnell and Moeser families, Tory said he would convene panels of councillors and community members in order to determine suitable public properties that could be renamed in their memory.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Woman With Down Syndrome Files Human Rights Complaint Over Cops' Comments

    Woman With Down Syndrome Files Human Rights Complaint Over Cops' Comments
    TORONTO — A 29-year-old woman with Down syndrome has filed a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario after two Toronto police officers were recorded mocking her during a traffic stop.

    Woman With Down Syndrome Files Human Rights Complaint Over Cops' Comments

    Police Searching For Man Who Allegedly Caused Crash While Impersonating Officer

    Police Searching For Man Who Allegedly Caused Crash While Impersonating Officer
    TORONTO — Police in Toronto are looking for a man who allegedly caused a collision while impersonating an officer.

    Police Searching For Man Who Allegedly Caused Crash While Impersonating Officer

    Consumer Agencies Warn About Flood-Damaged Cars From U.S. Hitting Canadian Market

    Consumer Agencies Warn About Flood-Damaged Cars From U.S. Hitting Canadian Market
    TORONTO — Consumer protection agencies are warning those shopping for used cars to stay alert as some vehicles damaged in the recent floods south of the border may appear on the Canadian market.

    Consumer Agencies Warn About Flood-Damaged Cars From U.S. Hitting Canadian Market

    Parole Board Lifts Alcohol Restriction On B.c. Man Who Killed 4 People At Age 14

    Parole Board Lifts Alcohol Restriction On B.c. Man Who Killed 4 People At Age 14
    Chad Bucknell was 14 in 1996 when he took part in the murders of four people.

    Parole Board Lifts Alcohol Restriction On B.c. Man Who Killed 4 People At Age 14

    Canada Is 'Work In Progress,' Justin Trudeau Tells UN General Assembly

    Canada Is 'Work In Progress,' Justin Trudeau Tells UN General Assembly
    Following is a condensed version of the prepared text of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's remarks Thursday to the UN General Assembly:

    Canada Is 'Work In Progress,' Justin Trudeau Tells UN General Assembly

    Judge To Rule On Former Cab Driver Charged With Sexually Assaulting Passenger

    Judge To Rule On Former Cab Driver Charged With Sexually Assaulting Passenger
    The Crown alleges Houssen Milad kissed a female passenger on top of her head while driving her home to Armdale in June 2016.

    Judge To Rule On Former Cab Driver Charged With Sexually Assaulting Passenger