STRETCH OF ABERDEEN AVENUE TO BE KNOWN AS HONORARY TARAS SHEVCHENKO WAY
By: Aldo Santin
Winnipeg Free Press
A civic committee broke with policy this morning and opted to designate an honorary street name change for a 200-year period.
Members of the property and development committee unanimously agreed to have the one-block stretch of Aberdeen Avenue, between Main Street and the Red River, to be known as Honorary Taras Shevchenko Way.
The honorary designation was made at the request of the Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate, an Ukrainian Catholic order of nuns, which owns all the private property on that portion of Aberdeen, including the Holy Family Home and adjacent seniors tower and sisters’ residence.
Proposals were made earlier in the summer for a formal, permanent name change on Aberdeen to honour Shevchenko – a Ukrainian poet and artist and 19th century political leader who is still revered today – to mark the 200th anniversary of his birth.
The Sisters told committee members that a poll of their residents found most favoured only an honorary street name designation.
Planning director Barry Thorgrimson said that while the city’s policy on honorary street name designation had a five-year time frame, he suggested something longer would be appropriate for someone of Shevchenko’s stature.
That prompted Coun. John Orlikow to suggest a 50-year designation but he agreed to a friendly amendment from committee chairman Coun. Jeff Browaty for a 200-year designation, which was endorsed unanimously by the committee.
The sisters will be responsible for costs for the placement of honorary street sign toppers.
