Rob Ford the late Councillor and Mayor of Toronto may soon have his name on Centennial Stadium.
A motion is before City Council to have Centennial Stadium renamed the Rob Ford Stadium to honour the popular and well-liked Etobicoke politician.
Councillor Paul Ainslie brought forward the motion that was seconded by Councillor Shelley Carroll. City Council will consider the motion on December 13.
The motion calls for the City’s Parks, Forestry and Recreation to undertake the necessary design and installation of replacement facility and signage.
It stated that Rob Ford served on Toronto City Council for nearly 15 years, serving as the Councillor for Etobicoke North for 10 years, and as Mayor for four years.
Etobicoke’s beautiful and sprawling Centennial Park that is loved by many.
“Sadly, shortly after being re-elected as a City Councillor in 2014, Rob Ford passed away,” Councillors were reminded.
Historically, the City of Toronto has recognized former Mayors with commemorative re-namings which honour their service and spirit,” the motion said, citing Mel Lastman Square, Barbara Hall Park and June Rowlands Park.
“All of those who served with Rob Ford on Council knew that he had two passions – representing his constituents not only across the City but in particular in his home community of Etobicoke, and football,” Council was told.
Almost 12,000 people signed a petition to keep the go karts and batting cages at Centennial Park.
‘The time is appropriate to consider renaming the Centennial Park Stadium the ‘Rob Ford Stadium’ in recognition of his decade and a half of public service,’ the motion noted, adding the time is right as Centennial Park undergoes a significant re-imagining through the Centennial Park Master Plan, which was approved by City Council in 2021.
A Request of Proposal also sought City Council approval to enter into a sublease or sub-licence agreement with the Centennial Park Golf Centre for someone to operate the Centennial Park Golf Course.
Artist rendering of what a new section of the park would look like.
The agreements have an initial term of seven years, with an option, in favour of the City, to extend by four years, and a further option to extend for up to an additional six years, according to the proposal.
The City is hoping to ensure an operator is in place ahead of the 2024 golf season.
The City provides access to high-quality and affordable golf at seven golf courses, five of which are City-operated, and two of which are leased-out to private third-party operators. Centennial Park Golf Course is one of these two golf courses.
There was much furor earlier this year as almost 12,000 people signed a petition to stop the removal of the go-karts and batting cages from Centennial Park at the end of the 2023 season.