Stage re-naming after former CFL player, musician and teacher in Mississauga gets approval

A public square stage will likely be named after a well-known Mississauga resident.

Gary Clipperton, who died on May 2, 2023, was a well-known Streetsville community member, teacher, former CFL player and founding director of the popular Streetsville Bread and Honey Festival.

In April this year, Mississauga Ward 11 Coun. Brad Butt suggested the Streetsville Square Stage be named after Clipperton and council approved an exemption from the five-year post-humous requirement.

Butt hoped to expedite the process so the stage renaming could coincide with the 2024 Streetsville Bread and Honey Festival, which is on May 31, June 1 and 2.

After a public process, the city’s Heritage Advisory Committee unanimously approved the name at its May 14 meeting.

In addition to playing for the Canadian Football League Calgary Stampeders in 1967, Clipperton was a dedicated teacher for many years in Mississauga, teaching in Meadowvale, Streetsville, Lorne Park, Mayfield and Cawthra schools.

He was a longtime volunteer for the Bread and Honey Festival and the Mississauga Food Bank, and he was a founder and director of the Streetsville Music Corp Inc. and its performing vocal section, Justus. He also served on the steering committee that created the Meadowvale Theatre.

Clipperton received Bicentennial Award in 1984 for his community service, was named the Mississauga Musician of the year in 1985 and was an inductee to Legends Row in 2017.

Clipperton made a “contribution of a lifetime” to the community, said Heritage Advisory Committee member George Carlson.

“This is certainly a fitting tribute in his home community,” said committee member and historian Matthew Wilkinson.

The community strongly approved the name change, according to Butt.

“There was overwhelming feedback from the community as to how positive people felt about this well-deserved recognition,” said Butt.

It’s hoped that generations to come will remember Clipperton as they perform on the community stage, he added.

“Music was one of his passions and one of the things we are trying to promote at the Streetsville Village Square,” said Butt.

The decision still needs final approval at an upcoming council meeting but the official renaming of the stage is hoped to be on June 21.

For more information, see the committee meeting here.

Photo: Legends Row, Visions by David