The memory of Oshawa’s war dead and war veterans was honoured on Thursday at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 43 in a ceremony to unveil two new street names.
On hand for the ceremony were war veterans Jim Brewster and Doug Finney, family members, Oshawa City Council members, community dignitaries, representatives from Oshawa veterans’ associations and community developers, said a city media release.
The two new street names are:
- Jim Brewster Circle, named to honour war veteran Jim Brewster, is located west of Fleetwood Drive, south of the future Rossland Road East Extension in a subdivision to be developed by The Conservatory Group (Beechnut Development Corporation); and,
- Doug Finney Drive, named to honour war veteran Doug Finney, is located west of Townline Road North, north of Shankel Road in a subdivision to be developed by Treasure Hill.
Another 10 street names will be located in a new subdivision by developer Sorbara Group and generally located north of Conlin Road East, west of Harmony Road North. They will pay tribute to the following war dead and war veterans:
Verne Bowen
John Thomas Dalby
Morris Krasutsky
Victor Lockie
Cameron Lott
John Lowry
Geoffrey Marston
Chris Mason
Andrew Murdoch
Frederick Smith
Additionally, the newest street name of Gow was added to the list of available street names to honour war veteran Robert Gow. The street name of Gow will be used in a future subdivision yet to be identified in Oshawa.
In total, 13 war dead and war veterans were honoured at the November 14 ceremony.
In 2003, City Council adopted a Street Naming Policy to honour the memory of men and women from Oshawa who served in war or peacekeeping assignments, as part of Canada’s military, by the naming of new streets.
“This is both a fitting and lasting tribute to those who have served our country and given back so much to our community,” said Councillor Tito-Dante Marimpietri, Chair of the Development Services Committee. “It is with much gratitude that we acknowledge the spirit of generosity in which these developers have chosen to name streets in our new subdivisions after our war dead and war veterans.”
“Honouring Oshawa war veterans when naming City of Oshawa streets is a mindful way for us to say Oshawa will never forget the brave members of our community who served to keep Canada strong and free,” said Councillor Rosemary McConkey, Vice-Chair of the Development Services Committee.