Community Federal Manor Park Community Council Social Issues

Blasdell bridge receives official name

Manor Park Community Council Director Kelsey McMahon explains the rationale behind the new name

By Manor Park Chronicle

The Sumac Footbridge was installed by the National Capital Commission last year to replace a makeshift bridge that was torn down due to safety concerns. Photo: Doug Banks
The Sumac Footbridge was installed by the National Capital Commission last year to replace a makeshift bridge that was torn down due to safety concerns. Photo: Doug Banks

The recently-installed pedestrian bridge at Blasdell Ave. is about to officially have a new name: Sumac Footbridge.

This name is the result of almost 50 community submissions. This included liaisons over several months with the National Capital Commission (NCC) and Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg members.

In 2022, residents will recall that a community-constructed bridge was suddenly removed. After the neighbourhood expressed its disappointment and submitted a petition asking for a replacement, the NCC eventually installed the new bridge in the fall of 2022. The bridge was a gift from an anonymous local donor, who also gifted the community the naming rights.

This spring, the Manor Park Community Council (MPCC) led a community naming process. Suggestions ranged from names of community members, to local landmarks, to references to local flora and fauna.

An MPCC-assembled selection committee developed a shortlist for the NCC’s final decision. As part of their deliberation, the committee also consulted with members of the Kitigan Zibi.

Early recommendation

The MPCC is pleased to announce that the committee was recently able to submit the name Sumac Footbridge to the NCC. The recommendation included the request to develop a plaque written in English, French, and Algonquin.

The name was chosen because of the many sumac trees that surround the bridge. Sumac also carries significance in Indigenous culture.

Ājōgewin (meaning “footbridge” in Algonquin) was an early recommendation made by the Kitigan Zibi, however NCC official language rules prevented the use of only this word in English and French. The committee chose to keep the word “footbridge” to honour this request and to best reflect the intended use of the bridge.

After the name is formalized, a ceremony will be announced to unveil the plaque. Until then, enjoy an autumnal stroll on the Sumac Footbridge!