ESPANOLA—The Espanola Royal Canadian Legion Branch 39 has requested the province rename a portion of Highway 6 (from the corner of Highways 6 and 17 north of Espanola) to Little Current in memory of veterans.
The Legion has forwarded a request to the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) to rename the junction of Highways 17 and 6 to Little Current. Lizette Gagne, secretary-treasurer of the Legion (which has received support for its proposal from the Town of Espanola council), told the Recorder on Monday, “yes, we are looking into getting a plaque put up and have it renamed and dedicated. It seems to be a trend now where a lot of highways are being renamed in memory of veterans and we felt this should be the case here, especially having lost two soldiers in the past few years in conflicts around the world.”
“We feel it is important to acknowledge all past and current veterans,” said Ms. Gagne. She confirmed the proposed name for the highway would be the LaCloche Foothills Veterans Memorial Highway.
“This would take in the highway from the corner of Highways 6 and 17 to Little Current,” said Ms. Gagne. “We have put out letters to get feedback and more support for the proposal.”
“I don’t anticipate any problems from the MTO in renaming this highway,” stated Ms. Gagne.
Ms. Gagne named one of two resident veterans who have passed on––David Byers was a member of the Princess Patricia Combat Light Infantry. The infantry will be parading in Espanola on September 2 when the proposed sign naming unveiling would take place. “We will be inviting the Little Current and Gore Bay Legions and our MP and MPPs among others,” she added.
