Late Etobicoke Councillor and Mayor Rob Ford with his bauble head.
The popular and late Etobicoke Councillor and Mayor Rob Ford is finally getting a stadium named in his honour.
Toronto City Council voted In a 17 to 6 vote on December 15 to approve renaming Centennial Stadium after Ford, who died of cancer in 2016 at the age of 46.
Ford was the Councillor of Etobicoke North for 10 years and Mayor of Toronto for four, which was sparked with controversy.
Late Mayor Ford in his prime was beloved by many in Etobicoke.
The motion was put forward by Councillor Paul Ainslie, who pointed out a number of former mayors have had commemorative namings as Mel Lastman Square, Barbara Hall Park and June Rowlands Park.
The motion also ties the Centennial Park, near Renforth Drive and Rathburn Road, re-imagining to the stadium named after Ford and his love of football.
He coached the Don Bosco Catholic Secondary School’s football team and spent many hours at the stadium, that he loved.
Centennial Park where Ford coach the Don Bosco football team at a stadium he loved.
The park was in the news recently after a petition was created and signed by almost 12,000 people to remove a go kart track and batting cages from the park after decades. They will be replaced by new attractions.
A motion by Ward 3 Councillor Amber Morley to conduct a review of the renaming was shot down by council.
Morley had called for more consultations on the matter and a report issued in late 2024.
The two Fords. The late Rob Ford with brother Doug, Premier of Ontario.
The vote was split between those who supported Ford during his years as a councillor and mayor and those who opposed him.
Councillor Stephen Holyday said Ford was a polarizing figure, as many politicians are, but beyond the politics no one could dispute his dedication to working for the city.
Ford was beloved by many Etobicoke residents who applauded his refreshing frugality and dedication to responding to his constituents’ issues, however minor.
He is known for always returning phone calls from constituents and the media.
The park is expected to be renamed sometime next year.