Businesses oppose renaming Moncton court for Acadian author
Downtown Moncton business owners say they don't want to see popular Robinson Court renamed for Acadian author Gerald LeBlanc.
Tim Lyons, a property owner, says he found out about the plan earlier this month when business owners in Robinson Court, a popular restaurant strip and pedestrian way off Main Street, were invited to a meeting by city staff.
"City council wishes to recognize an important literary figure in our community as part of the city's 125th anniversary. We would like an opportunity to meet with you to discuss this proposal prior to it going to council," Catherine Dallaire, the city's general manager, wrote in an e-mail to the property owners.
An attached document prepared by Benoit Doyen-Gosselin, a University of Moncton professor, and Raoul Boudreau, a retired professor, outlines why LeBlanc deserves to be recognized with a street, park, square or public space.
The two academics describe LeBlanc as a "renowned writer who lived in Moncton."
"His work transformed the image of the City of Moncton in the minds of all readers of Acadian literature, both in Acadia and elsewhere, starting with Acadian writers themselves," they state.
LeBlanc often visited Café Robinson in Robinson Court, a business which has long since closed.
Robinson also worthy of recognition
Lyons says he'd never heard of LeBlanc, but now appreciates and recognizes his importance.
"I don't know Mr. Leblanc but I've heard about his accomplishments in the arts community and he was a patron of the area."
However, Lyons says he's opposed to the name change. He says William Robinson was a prominent Moncton business person who helped build the city more than 100 years ago and his name should not be forgotten.
"What I don't respect and support is trying to change the name of Robinson Court to a different name, which basically blanks out and denies the history of the greater Moncton area," he says.
Lyons says he supports a plaque or a statue in honour of LeBlanc or a different or new street.
Lyons is supported by Stephen Gallant, president of Galco Atlantic Investments, who also owns property in Robinson Court.
Gallant said in a letter to council that Robinson was the father of former senator Clifford Robinson.
"At one point, he was the foremost developer and property owner in the downtown. To remove and re-name the court area is disrespectful and a dishonour to his important achievements and past contributions," Gallant said.
"To rename the court area after a frequent patron to a long-since closed establishment (Café Robinson), despite his important Acadian cultural contributions, who has not contributed directly by way of development, financial contribution and/or vision is inappropriate."
No one from the city was available for an interview. A city clerk says the item will be discussed when council meets on June 1.
