Saint John corner to be named in memory of 2SLGBTQ+ advocate
A Saint John sidewalk space will be named in memory of Parker Cogswell, the 2SLGBTQ+ advocate who died in 2020, city council decided Monday.
After a motion by Coun. David Hickey, a corner at Carmarthen and Mecklenburg streets in the south end will be named Parker's Corner.
"It sends a recognition for who Parker was as a neighbour and as a community member and who he was as a partner to André Gallant, who still lives there," Hickey said.
"But also a recognition to the LGBT community of a place of safety, a place of community, a place of welcoming. Ultimately that's what Saint John wants to continue to be for LGBT folks in this community."
Councilor David Hickey is says he looks forward to seeing a plaque and street sign with Cogswell's name on it in the coming months. (Submitted by David Hickey)
According to a staff report to council, the name came about under the new street and public space naming policy adopted by council in July 2023, The police was created to improve the city's commemoration and recognition of past and existing residents through place names.
Parker's Coerner will be the same space that was decorated with a rainbow flag, pumpkins and flowers in October 2020 after Cogswell's death from cancer at the age of 56.
Hickey said he's excited to see the naming go forward.
"Hopefully, the recognition will come sometime in the next couple months with the plaque, and then the aim is to have a street sign with Parker's name on it," Hickey said.
A community 'gathering point'
The corner is already colloquially referred to as Parker's Corner by neighbours, according to the staff report.
"Neighbours, friends, and family have come to use this space as a gathering point to celebrate Parker's life and their tight community," the report said.
Sidewalk space where a garden meets a street corner will be named Parker's Corner after a council vote Monday night. (Submitted by Meredith LeBlanc)
Mayor Donna Reardon said the move is a meaningful acknowledgement of Cogswell's community presence and contributions.
"Parker and his partner André, they lived on that corner — everyone knew them," Reardon said. "They were very active in the community.
"So I think it's important to recognize all of these events when we can, and it's important to make sure that we elevate all of our citizens whenever we have that opportunity, especially for citizens that represent an under-represented part of your population."
Saint John Mayor Donna Reardon praised Cogswell's spirit of fun. (Hadeel Ibrahim/CBC)
Reardon said Cogswell exemplified the "fun" in the community.
"I mean, he worked at Thandi, right. So he knew everyone. He was a person that people were attracted to and gathered around him. So yeah, it's very fitting and it was great tonight to bring it forward."
Remembering mother and son
Hickey said that the move is intended to be a recognition of not just Cogswell but also of his mother, Judith Ann Meinert-Thomas, who died nearly two years after her son.
"His mother was a big activist," Hickey said. "She had been the parade marshal for a few years for the gay pride parade," Hickey said.
The staff report said Parker's mother was a "champion of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community" who helped build the city's Pride community, including the city's first Pride parade in 2003.
"Judith led the first Pride parade in Saint John and subsequently led many more," Hickey said.
"It's an important recognition as a whole for the community."
