The name of the new waterfront park “Copps Pier”, is a fitting way to honour the Copps family and their commitment to the waterfront. Former Hamilton mayor, Victor Kennedy Copps, former Ward 4 Councillor Geraldine Copps and the Honourable Sheila Copps, who all worked to improve water quality and enable public access to the waterfront.
It was an exciting day for the 0pening of the Copps Pier at Pier 8 with the Haida in the back drop and the whole Copps Family in attendance, Mary, Sheila, Brenda, and Kevin along with their Spouses and children, Danelle, Elise, Emily, Gabriele, Beatrice and next generation Cece and new born Armaan Victor. Each one of Former Mayor Victor Copps and Alderman Geraldine Copps Children took turns speaking about their passion and love for Hamilton. There were a few emotional moments when they spoke about the vision of their parents, Mayor Vic as the people’s Mayor, and Geraldine’s advocacy to the environment and social issues.
The Honourable Sheila Copps, as Minister of Canadian Heritage, struck a historic agreement between the City of Hamilton and the Harbour Commission in 2000 that would return ownership of the open land around the harbour to the city which was the first step towards making the waterfront accessible for public access and enjoyment. Sheila was able to acquire the Haida from Toronto for one dollar ($1.00) and then worked to bring it to Hamilton so it could be enjoyed, by all.
Now Copps Pier is along the waters edge and will be enjoyed by many North Enders and Hamiltonians with the Copps name so proudly placed for generations to come. It was envisioned to “bringing full public access to the water’s edge”. Mayor Vic and Geraldine would have been oh so Proud!!!!
Maureen Scally
Photos -Taylor Scally
