Outdoor community stage gets a new name in Mississauga
Published May 29, 2024 at 1:39 pm
A community stage is getting a new name in honour of a well-known Mississauga resident.
Streetsville Village Square stage will be named the Gary Clipperton Stage, in honour of a long-time resident and his significant community contributions, the City of Mississauga said in a press release today (May 29).
In April this year, Mississauga Ward 11 Coun. Brad Butt suggested the Streetsville Square Stage be named after Clipperton and council approved an exemption from the five-year post-humous requirement. Clipperton died on May 2, 2023, at the age of 79.
The Heritage Advisory Committee voted in favour of the proposal earlier in May and it is now official.
“Known for his dedication, tireless community leadership and volunteerism, we wanted a fitting tribute to honour his outstanding achievements and what better way than naming an integral part of our community after him. Gary loved Streetsville dearly – it’s where his roots were and where his legacy will live on.”
Clipperton was an accomplished athlete who notably won the inaugural Vanier Cup with the University of Toronto’s varsity football team in 1965, and later played professionally for the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 1967.
He was a school teacher for many years in Mississauga, teaching in Meadowvale, Streetsville, Lorne Park, Mayfield and Cawthra schools.
And he was one of the founding directors of the beloved Streetsville Bread and Honey Festival, and an original director on what later became the Mississauga Food Bank.
“We’re proud to name one piece of the city’s heritage after Mr. Clipperton,” said Nadia Paladino, City of Mississauga director of parks, forestry and environment.
Clipperton served on the steering committee that created Meadowvale Theatre, he was the founder and director of the Streetsville Musicorp Inc. and its performing vocal section, Justus, which performed throughout Mississauga, Canada and internationally for 40 years.
Clipperton’s accolades over the years include the prestigious Bicentennial Award for exemplary community volunteer work in 1984 and being named Mississauga’s Musician of the Year in 1985. He was also inducted to Legends Row, Mississauga’s Walk of Fame, in 2017.
A renaming celebration will be held on Friday, June 21.
In April, council approved a process to guide municipal asset naming and commemoration activities.
The asset naming procedure uses an equitable, diverse and inclusive approach and notes that municipal assets may be named in honour of individuals with extraordinary achievements and/or significant contributions to Mississauga.
For more information, see the website here.