Son hopeful father, 94, still around to see Winnipeg street renamed after family

A Winnipeg man hopes his 94-year-old father lives to see a street renamed in honour of the family's years of dedication to the local sports community.

A city committee recentlyapproved changing a section of WoodgroveStreet,between Oakenwald Avenue and theFort Garry Community Centre, to "Bark's Way"in honour of the Barker family.

The Barkers have been involved with local sports for 125 years, as wellas the Fort Garry Community Centre.

Neil Barker said his grandfather, Bill Barker Sr., built the centre froman old train caboose.

Neil Barkeroriginally wanted to have the street renamed to "Bill Barker Way" but said that name was rejected by city administration because it sounded too similar to other Winnipeg streets.

"I was going to give up, to be honest," Barker said.

But then a clerk found the compromise the family nickname.

The name change will need to be approved by city council before the change goes forward. If approved, an honorary street sign will go up on that block for five years.

Barker hopes to surprise his 94-year-old dad, Bill Barker Jr.,with the name change while he's still alive.

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