Just in time for the Mariposa Folk Festival, Centennial Drive — along the city's waterfront — has officially been renamed Lightfoot Drive in memory of the legendary folk singer that was born and raised in Orillia.
In April, Orillia's city council agreed to change the name of the street in homage to Gordon Lightfoot, "a cultural icon whose music has touched the hearts and souls of millions around the globe,” said Mayor Don McIsaac in a news release issued at the time.
“Renaming Centennial Drive to Lightfoot Drive is a fitting tribute to honour his enduring legacy and to celebrate his profound connection to our community," said the mayor.
Lightfoot passed away in May 2023, leaving behind a legacy on the world stage with his timeless ballads that wowed audiences across generations. His poetic lyrics and melodic compositions have captivated listeners for decades, earning him international acclaim and numerous accolades.
The former Centennial Drive runs along Orillia’s Lake Couchiching waterfront, connecting the city to landmarks such as Couchiching Beach Park, the Port of Orillia, the Terry Fox Circle, and the Rotary Aqua Theatre.
Over the past few years, the city has invested significantly to update the infrastructure in the area and the road recently underwent major reconstruction and re-alignment, noted the city's news release.
In recent days, city staff have put up the new street signs to make the renaming official.
"To further commemorate the name change and to pay tribute to the late Gordon Lightfoot, 25 vinyl banners have been installed along Lightfoot Drive," notes a staff memo circulated to city councillors.
"The imagery and lyrics displayed on banners were selected in consultation with Pam Carter of the Mariposa Folk Festival," notes the report, which adds four banners have also been installed in Tudhope Park in advance of this weekend's Mariposa Folk Festival.
The efforts are important, noted the mayor, who says the city is honouring "not just a local icon, but a global ambassador of Orillia whose melodies continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.”
