Summerside council has voted in favour of finding a way to honour a local teen who died in an ATV accident.
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In September, Ben DesRoche’s father and friends took a petition more than 1400 signatures strong before council, hoping to name the new basketball court at Leger Park in his memory.
Ben had been 16 years old for all of a week when he died in summer 2025. His friends behind the petition all remember shooting hoops with him on the weekend or after school, and named Leger Park as a favourite location.
When the city resurfaced the court, they thought, what better way to keep his memory alive than to have his name connected to a sport he loved in a spot he loved to play it?
Council voiced support at the time, and further discussed the petition at an Oct. 6 meeting, where Deputy Mayor Cory Snow recommended moving the matter forward to city staff to look at possible ways the city could honour Ben at the park.
“I’ve had several conversations since the initial presentation to council and they are eager to see something done,” said Snow. “I think it’s a great way to honour an individual in our community that was lost way too early.”
Other members of council shared similar sentiments, including Coun. Ken Trenholm, who had seen Ben play basketball in the past and Coun. Bruce MacDougall, who has spoken with Ben’s father, Brad DesRoche, a number of times.
Coun. Carrie Adams said she thought it was a great idea and could provide an opportunity for staff to come up with some creative ideas.
“I said it during our last meeting that I think we’ve got many things in the city that could be named after significant people who make good contributions,” said Coun. Nick Cameron, who pointed out that youth can be spotted taking advantage of the court every single day.
“I think it would be a great namesake to name it after someone who loved the sport and gave so much back to the sport.”
The motion moved forward with a unanimous vote. City staff will present council with options at a later meeting.
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Kristin Gardiner is a reporter for the Journal Pioneer in Prince Edward Island. She can be reached at kgardiner@postmedia.com.
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