The city of Montreal is reversing its decision to rename Guido-Nincheri Park in Montreal’s east end.
Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre tweeted the news Monday evening.
A discussion with the late artist’s grandson, Roger Nincheri, was behind the mayor’s change of heart.
Guido Nincheri, was an Italian-Canadian artist whose frescoes and stained glass works are displayed in churches across North America.
Described as the “Michelangelo of Montreal,” Nincheri was considered one of Canada’s greatest religious artists.
Plans to rename the public space after Quebec City, drew criticism from Montreal’s Italian community who felt the move showed a lack of respect for the artist’s contribution to Quebec’s cultural and artistic heritage.
Members of the community quickly mobilized, creating an online petition to fight for the preservation of Nencheri’s legacy.
READ MORE: Italian Montrealers oppose removing storied artist’s name from park
The park, which sits across from the Olympic stadium, is currently being revamped ahead of Montreal’s 375th birthday bash next year.
In honour of its 375th anniversary, Quebec City gifted several statues that will be on display in the new park.
Coderre said that a portion of the parkland will bear the city’s name, as an acknowledgment for the gift.
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