Vancouver city council to consider motion to name street after Dal Richards
Richards' music 'touched the people of Vancouver,' says city councillor
Vancouver will debate a motion this week to name a street after the late big band legend Dal Richards.
Councillor Melissa De Genova, who put it forward, says she wants the city to recognize the band leader, who died New Year's Eve at age 97.
"His music . . . has touched the people of Vancouver," De Genova said. "He's not only been involved in that himself but he has mentored young musicians and made this type of music accessible through his performances every year at the Pacific National Exhibition, at New Year's Eve, at other community events."
De Genova said she hopes Vancouver politicians vote to name either a street or a public space after Richards to honour his legacy and recognize his contributions to the city.
Over the years, Richards was honoured many times. His awards include the Order of Canada, the Order of B.C. and the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal. He was also an inductee of the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame.