Petitions signed against Athol Street renaming

By Dave Flaherty/The Oshawa Express

A proposal to rename a section of Athol Street in recognition of the Oshawa Generals and local military history has received some push back from residents.

At its latest meeting, the city’s development services committee received two petitions, one with 30 signatures and another with 74, speaking against the move.

In early October, council approved in principle the renaming of Athol Street between Centre Street South and Ritson Road South to Memorial Cup Drive.

Mayor Dan Carter said the new name would “recognize not only what the Memorial Cup represents in hockey, but the community.”

However, Ward 1 city councillor Rosemary McConkey and Ward 2 city councillor Jane Hurst opposed the move, as they believed it was an attempt to curb favour for a potential bid by the Generals to host the Memorial Cup tournament itself.

The city later launched public consultations on the matter, which wrapped up on Nov. 12.

The results of those public discussions have yet to be reported to council.

However, the residents who signed the petition were clear in their opposition.

“We understand the city’s wish to honour the Oshawa Generals and the veterans who have served our country, but feel that naming a street to be newly-built would be more honourable than causing inconvenience and expense to current residents,” the first petition containing 30 names reads.

The second petition, addressed from the board president of a condo building on the stretch of road, notes many residents are “distraught” over the proposed change.

“We feel there are many more options to be explored, such as naming the area outside Tribute Communities Centre, as Memorial Cup Square, or a new proposed subdivision street,” the petition reads.