Ottawa Citizen, May 3 2010

Sir John A. Macdonald Boulevard has a nice ring

Re: Sir John A. is our man, April 27.

Congratulations to columnist Andrew Cohen for another attempt to awaken Ottawans to the greatness of our capital city. He tells us that there is "a natural step" for improving our capital's image by renaming Wellington Street for John A. Macdonald.

Cohen adopts the thinking of noted historian, Bob Plamondon, in acknowledging the meaningful contributions of this Canadian. In rethinking Wellington Street, Cohen believes that because Wellington really had no "association with British North America, other than, perhaps, fostering a fondness among us for Wellington boots," why should our grand historic boulevard, adorned with the Parliament Buildings, the Supreme Court of Canada and the Bank of Canada, bear his name. And so it shouldn't.

I love the sound of Sir John A. Macdonald Boulevard, the most important thoroughfare in Canada, with our historic buildings and most importantly home to parliament. What a nice ring that has. It's a magnificent name. Ottawa's council should make the change quickly.

And it's the National Capital Commission's turn now to find a meaningful brand for this gorgeous city of ours.

Jane Fitzsimmons,

Ottawa