It's official - "Johnny Leroux" arena in Stittsville

City names the Johnny Leroux Stittsville Community Arena

Today, the City of Ottawa formally recognized the many contributions of Stittsville resident John “Johnny” Leroux by naming the Stittsville arena the Johnny Leroux Stittsville Community Arena at a ceremony hosted by Mayor Jim Watson and Councillor Shad Qadri.

“Johnny Leroux’s passion and commitment to local sports is well-known and it’s my honour as Mayor to be a part of the ceremony to recognize him,” said Mayor Jim Watson.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with Johnny Leroux on many occasions at the Stittsville Arena and throughout the community. It’s fitting that an important piece of Stittsville will forever bear Johnny’s name,” said Stittsville Councillor Shad Qadri.

In 2002, City Council created a commemorative naming program to formally recognize individuals who give selfless, courageous or exceptional service to the residents of Ottawa, the Province of Ontario, or Canada. The program lets the City honour these individuals through the naming of municipal streets, parks and facilities.

Johnny Leroux is particularly well-known for his dedication to amateur and recreational sports, a passion that took root during his years in the armed forces. While working as a cook on the front lines of the Korean War, he made a name for himself as an athlete. In 1954, he was the undefeated Canadian Army Featherweight Boxing Champion, winning the Golden Glove competition in Montreal.

As a veteran, Johnny has been an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion. In particular, he has been a driving force behind the Stittsville Legion’s annual poppy campaign.

Johnny has been recognized by governments and organizations with numerous medals, awards, and accolades, including the Legionnaire of the Year Award and the Certificate of Merit from the Government of Canada for contributions to the community.

In Stittsville, Johnny has dedicated countless hours to men’s, women’s and children’s sports. He has served as an official, coach, timekeeper, and organizer of local hockey and softball. Notably, he founded and coached local old-timers hockey in Stittsville. His winning performances at the Can Am Series in Lake Placid earned him the reputation as being “the father of old-timer hockey in Stittsville.” Johnny has also dedicated his time and construction skills to building furniture that is sold to raise funds for local sports teams.

In recognition of Johnny’s contributions to his community and country, the City of Ottawa is renaming the facility commonly referred to as the “Stittsville Arena” as the “Johnny Leroux Stittsville Community Arena.”