HomeMy WebLinkAboutCS 07-17 City Oi Report to
PICKcc NG Executive Committee
Report Number: CS 07-17
Date: June 5, 2017
From: Marisa Carpino
Director, Community Services
Subject: Request to rename Petticoat Creek Library & Community Centre
- George Ashe Library & Community Centre
- File: A-1440
Recommendation:
1. That Council approve the request to rename Petticoat Creek Library & Community Centre to
George Ashe Library & Community Centre; and,
2. That the appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the necessary actions as
indicated in this report.
Executive Summary: Canada's 150th Birthday provides citizens with an opportunity to
celebrate and rediscover our culture, heritage and history. In support of Canada 150, the City will
be introducing many events and initiatives throughout the year that celebrate our community and
commemorate Pickering's rich history.
In an effort to introduce a legacy project that, in the spirit of Canada 150, honours Pickering's
history, staff seek Council's approval to rename Petticoat Creek Library & Community Centre to
George Ashe Library & Community Centre. George Lyle Ashe became Pickering's first mayor in
1973 and led a life of service for over 40 years. Clearly, his steadfast commitment and leadership
to this community is deserving of permanent recognition through the renaming of this community
facility that serves to bring people together in learning and life.
Financial Implications: The estimated cost to rename the community centre is $10,000 to
change the name on the existing exterior facility sign.
Discussion: 2017 marks Canada's 150th Birthday. This special milestone
anniversary is being celebrated by Canadians from coast to coast in a variety of ways. Whether it
is enjoying the tastes, sights and sounds of Canadian culture at community festivals and events,
exploring our country's history, multicultural heritage and diversity through Canada's national
museums and parks, heritage spaces and historic sites or rediscovering Canadian history from
Confederation to today through Libraries and Archives, 2017 is sure to be a year to remember.
The City of Pickering has planned a series of exciting events, activities and promotions to
celebrate Canada 150. That said, however, staff wish to also take this opportunity to leave a
lasting legacy in Pickering (well beyond 2017) that pays homage to the rich history of our
CS 07-17 June 5, 2017
Subject: Request to rename Petticoat Creek Library & Community Centre Page 2
community. To that end, City staff propose that Petticoat Creek Library & Community Centre
(located at 470 Kingston Road, Pickering) be renamed to George Ashe Library & Community
Centre.
George Lyle Ashe has had a long standing history of serving citizens in many capacities during his
lifetime that includes the following:
1. George Ashe was elected Deputy Reeve of Pickering in 1969;
2. George Ashe became Pickering's first Mayor in 1973-1977 and also served as a member of
Durham Regional Council;
3. Through his strategic and innovative leadership, George Ashe led Pickering through its first
term of"Town" Council;
4. George Ashe continued to serve the community when first elected to the Ontario
Legislature in 1977 representing the riding of Durham West and was re-elected in 1981 and
1985. He served in many capacities, including as Parliamentary Assistant to each of the
Minister of Revenue, the Minister of Government Services, and the Minister of Energy; and
Chair of the Management Board;
5. George Ashe was instrumental in securing government funding for the construction of the
Pickering Recreation Complex in 1983;
6. After leaving Legislative Government, George Ashe was elected as Separate School
Trustee in Clarington;
7. George Ashe continued to serve the public in many capacities over the years and in 2013,
George Ashe was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal for community
service;
8. George Ashe resided in Pickering in Ward 1 for many years; and,
9. George Ashe was a strong advocate for literacy and the community.
City staff feel that it is appropriate to permanently recognize the substantial service and
commitment that George Ashe provided to the City of Pickering and its residents through the
renaming of this library and community centre.
As such, staff request the approval of Council to rename Petticoat Creek Library & Community
Centre to George Ashe Library & Community Centre.
Attachments:
1. n/a
CORP0227-07/01 revised
CS 07-17 June 5, 2017
Subject: Request to rename Petticoat Creek Library & Community Centre Page 3
Prepared/Approved/Endorsed By:
Marisa Carpino
Director, Community Services
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Cathy Grant
Chief Executive Officer,
Pickering Public Library
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Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
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Tony Prevedel, P.Eng.
Chief Administrative Officer
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CORP0227-07/01 revised