Friends of Al Boucher, former owner of the Blue Canoe Bakery & Café who died in a vehicle crash, would like to honour him, and city council has obliged.
In response to a letter from Sheena Haines, Chelsey Adams and Krista Jonker, council agreed to change the name of Diamond #2 at the Canoe ball fields to Diamond #22, in honour of the slo-pitch enthusiast’s jersey number.
Coun. Chad Eliason made the motion to rename the field, as well as include $1,000 for signage.
“I think the letter speaks for itself and all the work that Al did and it would be a fitting tribute.”
The letter pointed out that during Boucher’s tenure as president of the Salmon Arm Slo-Pitch League, he worked hard to maintain and improve the quality of the ball facility.
“One of his many goals was to create a safe and fun environment for children to play while their parents were playing/watching baseball at the Canoe ball diamonds. Currently there is no such infrastructure in place,” it stated.
The letter writers requested that the city partner with them to cover the costs of the playground equipment and netting, noting they have already raised $10,000 and would be able to provide labour for installation of the equipment and netting.
Eliason suggested that council forward the request to the city’s 2018 budget, allowing time for more in-kind contributions and for city staff to work with those involved.
Council also agreed when Sheena Haines asked for a letter in support of applications for two possible grants for the playground.