Winnipeg, MB - At an event this morning, The Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, Member of Parliament for Kildonan-St. Paul, Andrew Micklefield, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Rossmere and Russ Wyatt, City Councillor for the Transcona Ward officially opened Inderjit Claire Park on Concordia Avenue East and dedicated the park to Mr. Claire.
“Inderjit Singh Claire moved to Winnipeg in 1986, but left a deep and lasting impact in this community. It’s fitting his name will be remembered here for many years.” said Andrew Micklefield, MLA for Rossmere, on behalf of Indigenous and Municipal Relations Minister Eileen Clarke. “Our government is pleased to invest $200,000 in this project to support the construction of the playground and other park improvements, making it an excellent place for all members of the community to gather.”
“Mr. Claire was such an important community member and leader in the Transcona area who dedicated his life to serving and inspiring others,” said Councillor Wyatt. “It’s a pleasure to see the new Inderjit Claire Park being well-used by the neighbourhood so that Mr. Claire can continue to play an important role in the lives of community members.”
Inderjit Claire Park features areas of original forest and natural areas that were maintained in the design and complemented with pathways, open play space and a new play structure for children age two to 12.
This project was funded by the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg through the Building Communities Initiative II partnership for a total investment of $589,000.
About Inderjit Claire
Inderjit Claire was a community leader who worked tirelessly towards the betterment of all members of society. He was a man of passion who shared an abiding love and respect for nature and all of its inhabitants.
As a lifelong learner and science teacher, Mr. Claire motivated generations of students in Canada and in his country of origin, India. Working with his colleagues and the community at large, as both a parent and grandparent, and a man of vision and compassion, he served the interests of many people. Not least of all, he was a counsellor, mentor and guide. He continued to be active in various social and political spheres even after his retirement from a teaching career that spanned nearly five decades by 1997.
Giving time to others meant Mr. Claire was actively involved in all aspects of family and community life, including serving as president of the Gurdwara Singh Sabha, holding membership in the Manitoba Intercultural Council, acting as Vice Chair of the Maples Youth Justice Committee, serving in provincial and federal politics as a riding delegate, and, from its inception in 1999, serving as President of the Manitoba Sikh Cultural and Senior's Centre.
A recipient of the 125th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation Commemorative Medal for his contributions to the community, Mr. Claire was proud of the recognition from the Lieutenant Governor and Premier of Manitoba for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2002.
About the Building Communities II Initiative
The BCI II partnership is a multi-year cost-shared capital initiative developed jointly by the Manitoba government and the City of Winnipeg. BCI II will provide $23.8 million to support community revitalization through improvements to local infrastructure initiatives in targeted older neighbourhoods and contribute to the vitality, safety and health of communities throughout the city.
BCI II projects include improving athletic fields, playgrounds, skate parks, spray and splash pads, basketball and tennis courts, lighting, seating, pathways in parks and upgrades of community centres.