CORNWALL, Ontario – The creator of a controversial family rink in Cornwall that polarized the community and made headlines across the country is getting an award.
A public relations firm confirmed in an email Thursday that Brian Vincent is one of the so-called ‘Great Canadian Hosers of 2015’ for the work he put into the front-yard rink on Monaco Crescent that became a lightning rod for community debate around the holidays.
The City of Cornwall opposed the boards around the rink, claiming they violated municipal rights-of-way.
In an e-mail to Seaway News from North Strategic, a public relations firm operating on behalf of Canadian Tire, Vincent is heralded for his work on the rink.
“Brian Vincent from Cornwall, Ontario is being recognized for his dedication and contribution to the community,” says the missive from account-co-ordinator Amy Shanfeld. “His family rink was inspired by his own rink growing up as he wanted his kids and others in the neighbourhood to experience the same joy and keep active.”
Complaints from neighbours about the rink led to city hall’s decision to force Vincent to remove the boards surrounding the popular structure.
It also led to a heated debate in coffee shops around Cornwall about whether the structure should have been allowed at all.
A representative from Canadian Tire was not immediately available for comment.
Vincent is being presented with a coveted gold-hose trophy, a $1,000 Canadian Tire gift card for use towards purchasing ‘hoses for life’ as well as an in-ice We All Play For Canada logo etched into the home rink.
The e-mail from North Strategic suggests Canadian Tire is a long-time supporter of getting children active.
