Popular Mississauga park to be renamed in honour of man who helped build the city

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Published July 5, 2022 at 12:33 pm

A popular park in the heart of the city may soon have a new name in honour of a prominent businessman, developer and philanthropist often credited with being one of the “builders of Mississauga.”

City of Mississauga staff is asking councillors to consider changing the name of Camilla Park, located on Camilla Rd. near Hurontario St. and the QEW, to Iggy Kaneff Park.

In a report to City council dated June 27, the City’s commissioner of community services, Jodi Robillos, notes that staff looked into various options after being directed by council in July 2020 to provide a list of potential naming opportunities to honour Kaneff, who had recently died.

Staff did so, and determined that Camilla Park is a suitable option to be renamed, the report says, noting that the “Kaneff Group of Companies developed a number of properties in close proximity to Camilla Park” including a nearby apartment building.

Council will consider the staff report when it meets tomorrow (July 6). A 30-day public comment period will follow before final approval.

If approved, the name change will cost the City $5,000 for new signage and a plaque and another $5,000 to host a renaming ceremony.

Camilla Park opened in 1963.

In its report, City staff describes Dr. Ignat “Iggy” Kaneff, who settled in Mississauga shortly after arriving from his native Bulgaria in 1951, as a city builder “who forever changed the face of Mississauga and left an indelible mark on our urban development and built form.”

The report continues, saying “…his story demonstrates that no matter where you come from, through hard work, dedication and a strong community spirit, everyone can succeed in Mississauga and in Canada.”

Kaneff was also closely associated with Mississauga Hospital over the decades. It was the recipient of his first major philanthropic donation back in 1955.

Last fall, the Kaneff family made a sizeable and unspecified donation in support of the future redevelopment and expansion of Mississauga Hospital, located just west of Camilla Park.

“Our father embodied the spirit of giving throughout his life,” daughter Kristina Kaneff said last fall. “Throughout his life, he shaped the skylines of both Mississauga and Brampton and supported numerous causes to ensure the success and well-being of others. This gift is being made by our family to continue honouring his life and legacy by combining his passion for city building with his support of Mississauga Hospital.”  

When Ignat Kaneff came to Canada more than 70 years ago, he had only five dollars in his pocket and almost no understanding of English. He worked in construction before starting his own company building houses for immigrants.  

In 1955, he made his first major philanthropic donation when he pledged against his future earnings to support the development of Mississauga’s first hospital.  

Kaneff received an Order of Ontario honour in 2010 and was named a Member of the Order of Canada in 2016.  

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