Saskatoon councillor pushing to name North Commuter Parkway in recognition of TRC report

Ward 1 Councillor Darren Hill is pushing for the yet-to-be constructed North Commuter Parkway to be named in recognition of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action. 

"I want that bridge named before it opens," he told reporters during yesterday's city council meeting.  

He was instrumental in the renaming of the Circle Drive South bridge, which will now bear Gordie Howe's namesake following a unanimous vote in council.

• Saskatoon City Council unanimously approves renaming bridge Gordie Howe Bridge

• Truth and Reconciliation offers 94 'calls to action'

Hill posted the idea on his public Facebook account Monday. He plans on moving the motion before council during its July 21 meeting.

"I would actually like to hear from the community on what names they would like to attach to that bridge in recognition of the TRC calls to action," said Hill.

Hill said that public input regarding the naming of the North Commuter Parkway – which will bridge the northeast portion of the city to the industrial area on the west side of the Saskatchewan River – will not be exclusive to the Aboriginal community.

"It's the entire community, not just the Aboriginal community," said Hill.  "Everybody needs to embrace the calls to action and the TRC."

The North Commuter Parkway is scheduled to be completed by 2018.