Further changes are being made in the renaming of 44th Street

By Laura Bohnert
A recent change has been made to an earlier decision to rename 44th Street Ellis Granley Drive.
On June 23, 2014, the Town of Mayerthorpe council approved the motion to change the name of 44th Street in Mayerthorpe to Ellis Granley Dr. 44th St. A recent meeting held by town council on February 23, 2015, following the motion that the portion of 43rd Street south of the 46th Avenue intersection be incorporated into Ellis Granley Dr., has recommended the approval of the motion.
The decision to rename both streets followed approval of the motion, also passed in the June 23 town council meeting, to remove the reserve dedication from a parcel of land which, owned by the town, was being used as a public park. The removal of the reserve dedication enables the property to become regular titled land which can then be sold by the town for development
The park, named Ellis Granley Park, was dedicated to Ellis Granley, a prominent community member who was known for his volunteerism and dedication to the community of Mayerthorpe.
During the decision process, the town approached the family of Ellis Granley to ask for its blessing in removing the family name from the tract of land. The family consented, but asked if the town would consider renaming the street to Ellis Granley Drive instead.
The town, according to Mayor Kate Patrick, felt that renaming 44th Street and, subsequently, the portion of 43rd Street, in lieu of the park’s commemorative name, would be a nice dedication to Ellis Granley. The renaming of the street “still commemorated the efforts of Ellis Granley, who was known to have volunteered and dedicated hours to the community,” quotes Patrick. “It commemorates his volunteerism and his efforts in making Mayerthorpe a better place to live, work, and play.”
Granley, who was named Mayerthorpe’s citizen of the year in 1973, was known for his dedication to coaching within the community. The park was named in commemoration of his dedication to Mayerthorpe, but also because that section of land was most likely a part of what used to be his farm. Ellis Granley Drive, formerly 44th Street, accesses Granley land.
The street is currently in use as Ellis Granley Drive; however, additional signage has just been approved by council and will be installed on that portion of 43rd Street closer to spring.