Naming of the Central Pathway in Earlscourt Park to “Claude Bergeron Pathway” - by Councillor Alejandra Bravo, seconded by Councillor Paula Fletcher

Clair Avenue West. Bergeron also served as a long-standing member of the Joseph J. Piccininni Community Recreation Centre Advisory Council. In this role, he advised City staff for 17 years to ensure completion of the walking path now proposed to bear his name. After relocating to Toronto in the early 2000s, Bergeron became deeply involved in his community, engaging at both municipal and provincial levels to promote city planning initiatives and architectural preservation aimed at improving the livability of the St. Clair West, Davenport, and Carleton Village neighbourhoods. Beyond his local advocacy, Bergeron's professional and academic career in architectural history significantly contributed to Canadian culture. He served as a Professor at Université Laval for 30 years, teaching architectural history, and published extensively on Canadian architecture. His scholarly work includes 35 articles in international encyclopedias, dictionaries, and journals. Bergeron advanced the study and preservation of Canadian architecture as co-founder of the Society for the Study of Architecture in Canada (1974) and RACAR, Revue d'art canadienne/Canadian Art Review (1974). A formal property naming application was submitted to the City's Strategic Partnerships Office, and staff have confirmed that the proposed naming aligns with the City of Toronto's Guiding Principles for Commemoration. The application included an autobiography, letters of support highlighting Bergeron's record of community service, and documentation demonstrating community endorsement of the proposal. Additionally, Councillor Alejandra Bravo hosted an online survey and canvassed local streets nearby Earlscourt Park to share the naming proposal with the community. Naming a pathway to honour Claude Bergeron's contributions, both locally as a community advocate and nationally as a leader in the field of architectural history, is a fitting recognition of his efforts to preserve and enhance Toronto's urban landscape. Staff from Parks and Recreation have confirmed that the costs associated with producing and installing the new park sign will be covered within the 2025 Approved Operating Budget for Parks and Recreation.