It was an easy decision for Wellington North council to name a new street in Arthur after respected veteran and local business owner John Walsh.
“I think it’s a fantastic idea. It’s a great way to honour John Walsh,” said councillor Steve McCabe at the Aug. 15 council meeting.
The request came from James Coffey, developer of the Eastridge Landing subdivision in Arthur.
Coffey explained in a letter that Walsh had provided him with a list of names of local families whose members are war veterans. From that list, he had chosen Schmidt.
“As we review the list of names still on the list, we would like to request a name that isn’t on the list, but probably should be, that being the ‘Walsh’ name,” wrote Coffey.
“Possibly no other individual has contributed more to preserving and promoting the history of Arthur than Mr. Walsh has.”
Walsh, a lifetime resident of Arthur, is a business owner, local historian and war veteran.
The founder and first president of the Arthur and Area Historical Society, Walsh has written three volumes of local history and donated sale proceeds to the historical society.
In June, he received the 2016 Senior of the Year award from the Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade.
“I think what’s more appropriate for Canada’s most patriotic village than to recognize its war veterans in that manner,” said Mayor Andy Lennox.
Council approved the request unanimously.
