Yesterday, Ajax Council unveiled a new parkette, created and named in honour of Louise Johnson’s 100th birthday.
Located on Harwood Avenue and the 401 (south of Birch Cres.), the Louise Johnson Parkette features pollinator-friendly flora species planted by the Pickering Ajax Butterflyway Rangers, a new entry sign and bench.
The parkette is named in accordance with the Town’s Commemorative Naming of Municipal Parks and Buildings Policy. Louise is easily recognized as an individual who has shown exceptional character, and has made a significant community contribution.
Louise Johnson has lived in the Town of Ajax since it was home to Defence Industries Limited (DIL), the largest munitions plant in the British Commonwealth during World War II. Dubbed the ‘Bomb Girls’, the women war workers of DIL supplied Allied Forces with shells throughout the war effort, with countless made right here in Ajax.
With her DIL days behind her, Louise (alongside her late husband Russell) played an integral role in the development of the Town of Ajax; actively involved in clubs and organizations that span multiple sectors including: education, recreation, history, faith, and community.
An Ajax Civic Award (1991) and Senior’s Award (2007) winner, Ajax Council is thrilled to celebrate Louise’s 100th birthday by dedicating the Louise Johnson Parkette in her honour.
Quick Facts
- Louise Johnson celebrates her 100th birthday on June 17, 2021. Ajax Council unanimously voted in favour of naming a parkette to honour Louise’s outstanding history as an original Ajacian to mark this milestone birthday.
- Louise’s significant community contribution spans more than seven decades, including involvement with the HMS Ajax reunions, Pan-Am Games, Ajax Garden Club, PROBUS and Seniors’ Clubs, St. Paul’s United Church – Ajax, and many more.
- The Town’s Commemorative Naming of Municipal Parks and Buildings Policy complements the Town’s street naming practices, which primarily pay tribute to the men who served on the HMS Ajax, HMS Achilles, and HMS Exeter.