Council asked to rename Junot Park playground

THUNDER BAY -- Council is considering renaming the Junot Park playground in commemoration of one of the city's late prominent citizens.

Gil Labine and his family made a deputation to city council Monday evening asking for the playground portion of Junot Park to be named the Suzan Labine Children’s Playground after his late wife, who died in December 2010.

“She had a very real connection to Junot Park,” Labine said.

“The park was a very integral part of the socialization and playing of our children and her grandchildren.”

Suzan Labine was instrumental in saving the green space next to the playground when council was considering building the new Superior North EMS headquarters there in 2009.

“As a result of her work and the work of many others, the park is preserved,” Labine added.

Suzan Labine was chair of the Lakehead Board of Education and a trustee for six years and was involved with many volunteer organizations.

“She was a real contributor to the city of Thunder Bay and especially children. She was a true leader in this community.”

The Labine family would cover the cost of the new signage if approved and they also provided many letters of support for the renaming of the playground.

Neebing Coun. Linda Rydholm said she worked with Suzan Labine on the school board and knows how much she cared about children.

“I just thought how appropriate it was to have the word ‘Children’s’ beside her name,” she said.

Mayor Keith Hobbs asked whether council could consider having the whole park renamed after Suzan Labine.

Administration will be bringing back a report on the matter on Nov. 5.