A Whitby street has been renamed to honour the late Jim Flaherty who served as both an Member of Parliament (MP) and Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) in the community, and as Canada’s Minister of Finance.
Signs to rename the portion of Gordon Street north of Victoria Street to Jim Flaherty Street were installed on February 16, officially changing the name, said a town statement.
It said the change was requested by Abilities Centre and supported by the Town of Whitby to recognize Flaherty and his instrumental role in establishing Abilities Centre, which serves people living with and without disabilities through programs and services. The centre celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2022.
“I’m very pleased to see this street renamed in Jim Flaherty’s honour. He and Christine Elliott were instrumental in taking the Abilities Centre from a vision, to one of the most accessible and inclusive community hubs ever built. It’s very fitting for Jim Flaherty’s legacy be recognized in this way,” said Mayor Elizabeth Roy.
Quick Facts
- The Town of Whitby supports the naming of streets to recognize an individual, group, or organization that has had a positive impact on the community.
- Jim Flaherty was recognized (posthumously) with a Whitby Chamber of Commerce Peter Perry Award in 2019. Peter Perry Award winners are also often honoured with a street in their name.
- There are no residential homes on the stretch of Gordon Street that has been renamed.