Attachment 5

Recommendation of non-support to name a pedestrian bridge, located within the Edmonton River Valley Park system which connects Rundle Park and Gold Bar Park, as “Ainsworth Dyer Bridge.”

Administration

On September 27, 2002, the Administration received an application from the Van Sloten family to name a pedestrian bridge, located in the Edmonton River Valley Park system joining Rundle Park and the Gold Bar Neighbourhood, as the “Ainsworth Dyer Bridge.” Corporal Ainsworth Dyer was one of the four Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan during April 2002. On February 13, 2003 the Community Services Department submitted a letter of non-support to name the bridge as “Ainsworth Dyer Bridge.”

Names Advisory Committee

On August 13, 2003, at the Names Advisory Committee meeting, the following motion was passed:

Motion:Tosh, Dean

“That the Names Advisory Committee recommends non-support for naming the pedestrian bridge located in the river valley which connects Rundle Park and Gold Bar Park as the ‘Ainsworth Dyer Bridge’ for the following reasons:

  1. There are five (5) major pedestrian bridges located within the Edmonton River Valley Park system commonly known as the Buena Vista Foot Bridge, the Capilano Foot Bridge, the Cloverbar Foot Bridge, the Cloverdale Foot Bridge and lastly, the Rundle Park Foot Bridge. The names of the bridges are commonly recognized by the citizens of Edmonton and provides a general reference where the bridges are located within the City.
  1. The Names Advisory Committee has been advised by the Edmonton Garrison that the names of Sargent Leger, Corporal Dyer, Private Green and Private Smith have been honoured with their names engraved along with others in Memorial Park located on the grounds of the Garrison.
  1. The City of Edmonton in association with the Military, the Federal Government and the Provincial Government held a special ceremony honouring and recognizing the loss of Sargent Leger, Corporal Dyer, Private Green, and Private Smith.

4.The City of Edmonton, in association with the Military and the Van Sloten family, has created a memorial area in honour of Corporal Dyer. The site is located at the north end of the Rundle Park Foot Bridge.

For the Motion:Breau, Brown, Cavaliere, Dean, Tosh

Carried Unanimously

Biography and justification (written by the Van Sloten family)

Reason/justification for request

Ainsworth Dyer was a member of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry and died for his country without any reservation. The naming of the bridge will remind people that "friendly fire" is as deadly as enemy fire and that we must do everything to prevent such a tragedy from happening again. The bridge also has sentimental value as it is where he bad proposed to Jocelyn Van Sloten, threatening to throw her over if she refused! Ainsworth made Edmonton his home, and this was where he had planned to stay and settle down.

Biography

Ainsworth Dyer was born in Montreal, Quebec in 1977 along with one brother and two sisters. He had lived there until he was sixteen years of age then moving on to Toronto, Ontario with his father. He attended Lauren Hill Academy in Montreal and later attended high school in Toronto, he graduated in 1996. During his last year of high school, he joined the 48 Highlanders. Wanting to advance and experience new things, Ainsworth had moved to Edmonton and joined the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.

In 1997 Ainsworth had successfully completed battle school in Wainwright, Alberta. He served in Bosnia for a six month tour in 2000. When Ainsworth returned from Bosnia he was involved in the Mountain Man Competition and had successfully completed the 50 km endurance test. In 2001 Ainsworth had been promoted to Corporal taking on more responsibilities within his battalion. Ainsworth also completed his paratrooper course in Trenton, Ontario in 2001. October 2001, Ainsworth was involved in a competition in England to work with other military professionals. February 2002 he had been deployed to Afghanistan to complete a six month tour. On April 17, 2002 Ainsworth passed away at the young age of 24 by means of "friendly fire" at the Tarnak Farm in Khandahar, Afghanistan.

Corporal Ainsworth Dyer was dedicated to the military and was highly respected among his fellow soldiers and officers for having high moral standards. He was known for his optimistic attitude and cheerful nature. His sense of humor helped others (friends and coworkers) through difficult times as well as boosting the morale. Corporal Ainsworth Dyer was a team player and had worked well with others within his company. He was a professional soldier.

Ainsworth was engaged to Jocelyn Van Sloten. He met her in November l998. He proposed to her on the bridge in Rundle Park in October 2001. They spent a lot of time together there, he also trained for the Mountain Man competition as well as other events throughout the park. They planned to marry upon his return from Afghanistan in fall 2003.

Report 2003PDP082 - Attachment 5 - Page 1 of 3