Ever get confused over which recreation facility in Essex is which? You are not alone.
The town has three facilities with very similar names, the Essex Recreation Complex, the Essex Centre Sports Complex, and the Essex Community Centre on Gosfield Townline.
To address the confusion, town officials want to rename the community centre, the Maedel Community Centre.
Edward Charles Maedel. (Photo courtesy of the Town of Essex)
The name pays homage to Edward Charles Maedel who bought a struggling soft drink company on Talbot Street in 1908 and renamed it Maedel Beverages. In 1935, Maedel received the first Pepsi Cola franchise in Ontario, just the second in Canada.
The family sold the business in 1989, but the factory remains today on the outskirts of town.
"Besides being a business owner, Mr. Maedel was a true community man," said Deputy CAO and Director of Community Services, Doug Sweet. "He helped build the former Essex Bandshell, served as a firefighter and lifelong Rotarian, and volunteered his time to lead scouting groups, sports, and other youth activities."
Council wants to know if residents like the name and is taking feedback until Tuesday, March 24. Submissions can be made online, and paper copies are available at Town Hall and town recreation facilities.
