Catherine Ferrari’s legacy lives on in Vaughan through park dedication
The City of Vaughan has renamed Belair Way Park as Catherine Ferrari Memorial Park, creating a lasting tribute to a respected community leader whose service, generosity and commitment to others left a profound impact on Vaughan. The dedication ensures Catherine’s legacy will continue to inspire residents for generations to come.
On July 22, Mayor Steven Del Duca, Members of Council and the Ferrari family gathered to unveil the park’s new name and a commemorative plaque in Catherine’s honour. Remembered as a devoted wife and mother, accomplished lawyer and community leader, Catherine was widely admired for her generosity, leadership and unwavering dedication to helping others.
This comes following Vaughan Council’s approval of a June 16 Committee of the Whole (2) report (PDF) that recommended renaming Belair Way Park, at 2 Belair Way in Ward 3, to Catherine Ferrari Memorial Park, and accepting a donation from the Ferrari family to support the future redevelopment of the park and enhance the community space for residents to enjoy.
QUOTES
“It is a wonderful honour to rename one of our most beloved parks in the name of a true leader in our city. Catherine Ferrari was many things: a devoted wife and mother, an accomplished lawyer and a respected community leader. But above all, she was someone who believed in helping others, embodying the values of selflessness and giving back to those in need, which we hold in high regard here in Vaughan. I want to extend my sincerest thanks to the Ferrari family, whose extraordinary generosity – including a donation – will help support the future redevelopment of this park and expand its role as a welcoming, vibrant community space. This gift is not only a tribute to Catherine’s memory but also an investment in the community she was deeply connected to. Now and for generations to come, Catherine’s legacy will live on here.”
- Mayor Steven Del Duca
“It is a privilege to mark a meaningful and lasting tribute – the renaming of Belair Way Park to Catherine Ferrari Memorial Park. We are honouring Catherine Ferrari, a life defined by service, generosity and commitment to the community. This renaming ensures that her legacy will continue to live on in a place where people gather, connect and build community, just as she did throughout her life. Thank you to the Ferrari family for your generosity. I look forward to seeing the redevelopment of this park and all the special memories that will be made.”
- Ward 3 Councillor Rosanna DeFrancesca
“To us, Catherine was the heart of our family. She had a special way of making everyone feel loved, welcomed and cared for. Her greatest joy was being with her family, helping others and making every moment count. This park is where we shared so many happy memories, watching the kids play, walking our dog and simply enjoying life together. Seeing her name here means more than we can put into words. We hope everyone who visits this park feels a little of the kindness, joy and love that Catherine shared with so many people. We are deeply grateful to the City of Vaughan for helping us honour her in a place that meant so much to all of us.”
- Ferrari Family
QUICK FACTS
On July 22, the City of Vaughan officially renamed Belair Way Park (2 Belair Way) to Catherine Ferrari Memorial Park to honour and celebrate Catherine’s life.
Mayor Steven Del Duca, Members of Council and members of the Ferrari family gathered to unveil the new name. The dedication reflects Catherine’s service, generosity and community spirit.
The renaming of Belair Way Park came following Council’s approval of a Committee of the Whole (2) report (PDF).
LEARN MORE
- vaughan.ca/parks
June 16, 2026 Committee of the Whole (2) report (PDF)
