Celebrated as a true community steward of the Flour Mill neighbourhood, Claude Charbonneau was the man of the hour during the official unveiling of his namesake park on Thursday.
After a curtain was pulled from the park’s main sign, Charbonneau told local media that the day’s event had given him an “amazing feeling,” and that he’s “so grateful for what’s going on here today and thankful for all the support I’ve received from everybody.”
Having grown up in the Flour Mill and spent time at the park as a kid, he said he’s proud it continues serving the community, including his own children and grandchildren.
“It’s great that we have a beautiful facility here, it’s safe and new,” he said. “The community’s there, my neighbours on the street, everybody is behind us and the city, if we need something, they’re always there.”
LiUNA Local 493 business manager Mike Ryan proposed renaming Percy Park in honour of Charbonneau on June 23, at which time he credited the retired train conductor as being an “admired and respected role model of this community because of his volunteer work and the ability to bring people together.”
“Choosing to rename Percy Park to Claude Charbonneau Park is something that just seems right,” he said. “The Flour Mill and Claude just go hand in hand. They are one in the same, and I believe this is the best way to honour a man who has gone above and beyond for his community.”
Ryan’s application, which was supported by the Johns family, prompted a public consultation process followed by a unanimous show of support from city council in October.
Although the park’s renaming has been official on paper since October, Thursday’s unveiling of signs made it known to the broader community.
Charbonneau, along with his wife, Louise, are longtime supporters of what was until recently Percy Park, and Ward 12 Coun. Joscelyne Landry-Altmann noted that Claude has pledged approximately 40,000 hours of volunteer time toward the park over the last 34 years.
“In the Flour Mill we are fortunate to have community support,” she said. “We have the Flour Mill in our hearts and we wear it on our sleeve.”
The tribute, Mayor Paul Lefebvre siad, “is a testament to (Charbonneau’s) hard work and his long-standing dedication to our community.”
What was until recently Percy Park was originally named after Percy L. Johns, who donated land for the park in 1941. A heritage plaque sharing the history of the Johns family will be erected near the new park sign next spring.
Click here to read a collection of letters from community members in support of Percy Park being renamed Claude Charbonneau Park.
Tyler Clarke covers city hall and political affairs for Sudbury.com.
