A beloved parkette in Leslieville will soon bear a new name in honor of a mother who tragically lost her life to a stray bullet.
The parkette, located at the corner of Jones Avenue and Dundas Street East, will be renamed the “Heatherington Parkette” in memory of 31-year-old Candice Heatherington.
Heatherington was fatally shot on April 20, 2018, while walking with her two-year-old daughter in the area. The young mother was caught in the crossfire of a shooting that took place between two groups of men.
The renaming of the parkette was proposed by local residents and approved by the City of Toronto’s Parks and Recreation Committee. The decision was then unanimously supported by Toronto City Council.
According to Councillor Paula Fletcher, who represents the area, the renaming is a way to honor Heatherington’s memory and bring a sense of healing to the community.
“Candice was a beloved member of our community and her tragic death deeply affected us all,” Fletcher said in a statement. “Renaming this parkette in her honor is a way to remember her and to bring some peace to her family and our community.”
The Heatherington Parkette will feature a plaque with Heatherington’s name and a brief description of her life. The parkette will also undergo some renovations, including new benches and landscaping, to further honor Heatherington’s memory.
The renaming ceremony is set to take place on April 20, 2021, marking the third anniversary of Heatherington’s passing. The event will be attended by Heatherington’s family, community members, and city officials.
Heatherington’s family expressed their gratitude for the renaming of the parkette, saying it is a beautiful way to remember their loved one.
“We are deeply touched by the community’s efforts to honor Candice’s memory,” Heatherington’s sister, Samantha, said in a statement. “We hope that this parkette will serve as a reminder of her life and the impact she had on those around her.”
The Heatherington Parkette will stand as a symbol of remembrance and a tribute to a life taken too soon. It will also serve as a reminder of the ongoing issue of gun violence in our communities and the need for continued efforts to address it.
