Toronto renames Etobicoke’s Centennial Park Stadium after Rob Ford
Posted May 28, 2024 5:08 am.
Last Updated May 29, 2024 5:35 am.
The late Rob Ford coached football there, and now Centennial Park Stadium in Etobicoke has been renamed in his honour.
A ceremony was held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, the former mayor’s 55th birthday.
“I would like to officially welcome you all to Rob Ford Stadium,” said Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow.
Rob Ford coached the Don Bosco Eagles in the stadium before and during his time at Toronto’s city hall. City council voted to rename the Etobicoke stadium in honour of Rob Ford in December 2023.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he and his family are deeply moved by the council’s decision to honour his younger brother’s service to the community.
“When he was talking about his kids, everyone knew who he meant,” said the Premier. “He was talking about his football team.”
Rob’s daughter, Stephanie Ford, said it’s most fitting that the football stadium in Etobicoke be named after her father.
“It represents his love for Etobicoke and how much he did for the people as mayor, but what he did for his second love, football.”
Rob Ford’s tenure as the City of Toronto’s 64th mayor was marred by addiction and controversy. He passed away from cancer at the age of 46 in March 2016.
