Toronto City Council has renamed the Sumach-Shuter Parkette in Regent Park to Louis March Park, honouring the late community leader and founder of the Zero Gun Violence Movement. The motion, led by Councillor Chris Moise, passed during the May council meeting. New signage will soon recognize March’s lifelong dedication to youth empowerment and safer communities, particularly in underserved areas like Regent Park. Louis March, who died in July 2024, was widely respected for advocating investment in education, mental health, and restorative justice. Many local organizations and residents praised the renaming as a powerful tribute to his legacy. However, not all responses were supportive. Some residents from nearby Trefann Court, a small neighbourhood adjacent to the parkette, voiced concern over a lack of direct consultation. They argued that as frequent users of the space, their voices were left out of the decision-making process. City officials say feedback was collected through petitions and emails, with the majority supporting the change. Councillor Moise insists the process was inclusive and transparent. Set to reopen next month after renovations, Louis March Park now stands as both a memorial and a call to action—honouring a life of service while reminding the city of the importance of involving communities in shaping public space.
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