The campaign to rename a Toronto park after Gord Downie is picking up steam

May 17, 2024 Alan Cross 0 Comments 0 min read

Some time ago, Damian Jakibchuk, the founder of Lake Fever Wilderness Co. (a camping vacation site) came up with the idea of renaming Toronto’s Riverdale East Park after Gord Downie. After all, Gord lived in the area for years and as a Tragically Hip fan (you may have already spotted the connection between the name of his company and a Hip song), he thought renaming the park would be a nice touch.

There’s growing support for the idea. I’m all for it. Gord’s family and charity love the idea. Hip manager Jake Gold has endorsed it. So have a number of local businesses. Local ward councilor and Hip fan Paul Fletcher has bought in.

Toronto City Council is now reviewing a petition. Fingers crossed.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

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