Members of the Lake Superior Watershed Conservancy invited Prince Township and area residents to Gros Cap Marina to celebrate their revitalization efforts while hosting a special renaming ceremony for the adjacent marina park. In honor of Bobbi Williamson (nee Bennett), a lifelong Gros Cap resident and Prince Township councillor, the former Gros Cap Marina Park was renamed Bobbi Bennett Memorial Park on Saturday. Williamson was a well-known advocate for the park during her tenure as a city councilor before her death in 2011. The site is located along the Trans Canada Trail as a link between the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail and the 1000 km Lake Superior Water Trail overseen by the Conservancy. Joanie McGuffin, the executive director of the Lake Superior Watershed Conservancy, says Williamson’s hard work and drive to revitalize the park has been incredibly influential. “This place is very important to so many people,” he says. “Bobby Williamson grew up here and looked after this site and it takes that kind of passion and dedication to the community to make a positive impact. He’s smiling at us today.” The park’s new name was also chosen in reference to Williamson’s late parents, Mugsy and Bud Bennett, who volunteered years of their time to ensure the dock and the rest of the site were properly cared for. Among those attending the ceremony were several Native elders, as well as Mitch Case from the Interim Council of the Métis Nation, Sault Ste. Marie MP Terry Sheehan, and Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Mike Mantha. Several members of Williamson’s family were also present for the occasion. Janet Callaghan, Williamson’s sister-in-law, is extremely grateful for today’s celebration. “It’s just a recognition of Bobbi and everything she’s done for the community, and an extension of what she’s done for the family forever,” he says. “He was a rock and a great support to everyone personally and in the community.” Williamson’s cousin, Penny Cress, says renaming the park has been a long time coming. “She was so devoted to Gros Cap and everyone who touched her and touched her life,” he says. “She was really special. We really appreciate the people who made this possible.” In addition to paying tribute to Williamson, the Conservancy also took time to share its efforts to make the marina a more accessible location for visitors. In addition to installing a transfer desk at the dock, visitors can install the AccessNOW app, which allows people with disabilities to find places along the Trans Canada Trail that are actually accessible to them. “It opens up opportunities to get people with disabilities into the water – that’s very exciting to see,” says McGuffin. After the event, volunteer firefighters with the Prince Township Fire Department were at the marina to provide attendees with free barbecue.
