A small but historical park in London may be about to get a new name.
City politicians will review a request Wednesday afternoon to rename Carfrae Park West after Londoner Charles Hunt.
Carfrae Park West, is located at Richmond and Carfrae Street, just south of the downtown. It’s named after Robert Carfrae, a carpenter turned land prospector, who was among London’s first inhabitants.
The name change, which has the support of city staff, is being led by Hunt’s great-grandson who says Carfrae Park West is in the vicinity of where Charles Hunt and his family lived.
Hunt was one of London’s most prominent businessmen from his arrival in 1853 until his death in 1871. He was born in Dorsetshire, England, on March 5, 1820, arriving in London after working in the U.S. and Windsor.
Hunt was instrumental in the industrial growth of London in the 19th century. He established a long-running flour mill, built the Hunt Dam, the Bank of British North America and a public skating rink on Horton Street at the site of what later became the London Arena. The various Hunt enterprises continued to operate for 86 years following his death.
He was honoured by city hall last May with a sign in Carfrae Park West that highlighted his legacy in London.
Aside from city staff, the name change is supported by the London & Middlesex Historical Society and the Old South Community Organization. City administration didn’t give a cost estimate for changing the sign at the park, but describe it as “minimal” and say the cost can be absorbed within the parks planning budget.
If the name change is approved, Carfrae Park East, which is on the east side of Richmond, would be renamed Carfrae Park.