In August 2022 the Sifert family was contacted by the Chief Administrative Officer at Langford City Hall, Darren Kiedyk. During that call he informed the family that the Parks and Recreation Committee were going to table a committee resolution to name the park after 40-year community activist, public servant and councillor Winnie Sifert. He also noted that it would be a wonderful way to honour someone while they are still alive and able to appreciate the recognition.  Winnie was overjoyed.

On September 27 of 2022, the Parks and Recreation Committee passed the committee resolution onto council for approval. Which is how we, unfortunately, got to this petition.

On December 5, 2022, during the very first official council meeting of new council, the committee resolution was referred back to council. The motion started by Councillor Lillian Spzak, was to defer the naming of the park until staff researched the “park naming policy.”  Thus, a motion was seconded by Councillor Keith Yacuccha and after a short baseless discussion, it was passed unanimously by this council.

At this time, in late 2022 and early 2023,  Winnie could have attended the naming ceremony. Since then, her health has dramatically deteriorated which councillor Spzak was fully aware of the nature of her illness.  Currently, Winnie would definitely be unable to attend a naming ceremony. Or have the capacity to understand what was taking place in her honour due to her condition and illness.

As of December 2023, over one year later since the December 5th meeting, there have been NO UPDATES to the Sifert family on the status of this park naming or its policy. Despite the public speaking and sending numerous emails in addition to family speaking to the councillor's in person at the Station Avenue event. To date, Council refuses to comment.

Public outcry through emails, meetings, social media and local news companies have helped to pressure this council into doing the right thing. Now, it is time to get this petition to ensure Winnie is honoured with the Winnie Sifert Park, before it is ultimately too late, and she is no longer with us.