Freedom Court in Saint John’s north end is being renamed after a longtime city employee and community volunteer.
Common Council voting this week to change the name of Freedom Court in the north end to Vic Fitzgerald Court.
Fitzgerald served as director of the Somerset Community Centre for 35 years and as a city councillor from 2001 to 2004.
He was also actively involved with Little League Baseball, the North End Food Bank, the Saint John Liberal Association and was an Elder at Douglas Avenue Christian Church.
Mayor Don Darling didn’t know Fitzgerald personally but says his generosity knew no bounds.
“Whether it was taking low-income kids from some of the city’s poorest neighbourhoods on a field trip to Montreal, teaching a youngster the mechanics of laying down a bunt on the ball diamond, or fishing for money in his own pocket to outfit a child with sneakers or snacks,” says Darling.
Fitzgerald passed away at his home back in March of 2016.
Deputy Mayor Shirley McAlary says he was a wonderful person who impacted many people.
“It’s very appropriate that this street be named in his name,” says McAlary, “because it’s very close to where he did a lot of his volunteer work and a lot of kids that he helped out through the years.”