Appletree park to be renamed after Oscar-winning Uxbridge resident

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

UXBRIDGE: A local park will soon undergo a name change to honour the late Christopher Chapman, an Academy Award-winning cinematographer, who played a pivotal role in the local arts community.

At Council's meeting on Monday, July 10th, a recommendation from the Director of Community Services, Amanda Ferraro, to rename the park on Appletree Crescent, in Mr. Chapman's honour, was unanimously endorsed by councillors.

The original request to adopt the new name came from a local resident, Julia Stevens, in 2016, less than a year after Mr. Chapman passed away. However, at that time, the matter was deferred as the township did not have a policy in place, to guide the naming and dedication of township parks and facilities.

Last month, a new municipal asset and street naming policy came before councillors which paved the way for the park on Appletree Crescent to be renamed.

In 1967, Mr. Chapman's film 'A Place to Stand' won the Academy Award for Best Live-Action Short. In addition to his extensive work in the film industry, Mr. Chapman was a strong supporter of arts in the community, and was one of three founders of the annual Celebration of the Arts. Additionally, he was passionate about organic agriculture, and is cited as one of the founders of that movement in Canada, dating back to the 1950s.

The estimated cost for the new park signage was estimated to be around $3,000, with work expected to be completed later this year.