New Vaughan street to be named after hockey humanitarian

YorkRegion.com
July 17, 2015
By Adam Martin-Robbins

A young humanitarian is being honoured, five years after he passed away, by having a street named after him in a new subdivision.

City council on Thursday approved a request to name a crescent in a large housing development going up north of Major Mackenzie Drive just west of Hwy. 27 after Ross Vennare.

Vennare, who died suddenly in March 2010 at age 27, was a passionate hockey fan, coach, referee and sports reporter who dedicated his time to helping people in need.

He was well known for organizing a number of charitable events to raise funds for SickKids hospital and the Special Olympics, among other things.

St. Clare Catholic Elementary School named an award after Vennare, a former student, which is handed out annually to students who display “exemplary character and a commitment to helping those in need,” a city staff report states.

Originally, the plan was to name the street Vennare Crescent, but his family asked the developer if his first name could be added.

Under the city’s revamped street naming policy, that isn’t typically done unless the person is of historical significance in the “world, Canada or the local area” or if they have made a significant life achievement.

Given that, city staff recommended just using his last name. But Woodbridge West Councillor Tony Carella argued Vennare’s contributions to the community warrant his full name being used and his council colleagues agreed.