Motion to rename plaza outside Burton Cummings Theatre passes unanimously

A motion to rename a park space in front of a Winnipeg concert venue to honour a pivotal figure in Manitoba’s music industry cleared a hurdle at city hall.

The motion to rename Odeon Park in front of the Burton Cummings Theatre to Kevin Walters Plaza was unanimously approved on Tuesday by the city’s executive policy committee.

Coun. Evan Duncan (Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood) introduced the motion to honour Walters, a long-time music promoter who died in 2014.

“Kevin Walters believed deeply in Winnipeg, in local artists, and in the power of live performance to bring people together,” Duncan said in a statement. “I’ve heard from countless residents, artists, and industry leaders across our city who were impacted by Kevin’s profound generosity and vision.”

According to Manitoba Music, Walters helped run the 2006 Grey Cup Festival and helped bring the Juno Awards to Winnipeg twice. He was also involved in several other music festivals and events in the city. Walters was on the board of Manitoba Music at the time of his passing.

The motion still needs final approval from Winnipeg city council before the renaming takes effect.