City mulls request to rename Central Park

City hall will consider a petition to change the name of Central Park in the spirit of reconciliation.

A request received by the city argues the inner-city park is a regular gathering spot for Indigenous Winnipeggers and newcomers and changing its name would recognize the former and educate the latter on their new home.

“The name Central Park is a geographic description that may not be offensive to anyone. However, the act of reclaiming by renaming is a powerful act of decolonization that will acknowledge a commitment to the calls to action from the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission,” the request document reads.

Community organizations and members made the request, but the document doesn’t name them.

A petition to support the change was signed by 130 people.

The request has been received by the city’s Indigenous relations division through its “Welcoming Winnipeg” policy, which offers a process to create new historical markers or change the names of current ones.

The request doesn’t include suggestions for a new name.

It says now is the perfect time to change its moniker since a playground revitalization project at the Ellice Avenue park is underway.

“What better time to celebrate Central Park and commemorate the occasion with a new name gifted to the community by an Indigenous-led, trauma-informed, reciprocal process?” the request reads.

The Welcoming Winnipeg committee will review the submission and make its recommendations to the city’s executive policy committee.

Central Park, which opened in 1894, is surrounded by apartment blocks. In its last renovation, it was expanded to Ellice Avenue and a splash pad and soccer pitch were added.

— Staff