Tom Maccagno, who was a tireless advocate for local history and environmental issues, could be recognized by having a Lac La Biche Lake island named after him.
Maccagno, who passed away Jan. 7 at the age of 72, was recognized throughout his life for his environmental work: he discovered rare orchid species near Plamondon, wrote articles for nature magazines, and received numerous awards for his environmental work in the area. He served terms as the town’s mayor, was involved on numerous boards, and was instrumental in having the islands surrounding Sir Winston Churchill included in the provincial park. He was an avid historian and was part of a group that had more than a dozen local lakes named after fallen Canadian WWII airmen.
Local pharmacist Zicki Eludin was behind the push to recognize Maccagno. He said naming an island after his long-time friend and mentor feels right because Maccagno always fought to protect local lakes.
“The lake was always in his heart,” Eludin said. “He did everything he could to protect it.”
He added that there isn’t a specific island in mind yet to rename after Maccagno – that’s a detail still to be worked out. Eludin said the idea to recognize Maccagno came while he was touring some political officials around the area.
“I’d taken (Alberta Transportation Minister Ray) Danyluk and some of his people on a tour to show them the islands, and the idea just popped into my head,” he said. “Now, it seems like things are moving forward.”
Eludin recently brought the idea to Mayor Peter Kirylchuk, who presented it to Lac La Biche County Council. They voted to send a letter supporting the idea to Danyluk.
Now, Eludin said it’s in the hands of the government’s ministry of Parks, Tourism, and Recreation whether or not a Lac La Biche Lake island will be named after Maccagno – the passionate environmental champion.
“Tom is probably one of the key figures in recent Lac La Biche history for many reasons,” Eludin said.
“I think it’s appropriate – he always had this community in his heart, and the lake was really important to him.”
PROVINCIAL SUPPORT
Danyluk said he was ofen on the opposite side of arguments with Maccagno when it came to politics, but said the two had a fondness and respect for each other and the community.
“Tom and I had some difference in viewpoints on party politics,” said Danyluk, “but that only generally happened around election time.”
In fact, it was Danyluk who nominated Maccagno several years ago for a national environmental award, which he received.
STILL NEED SUPPORT
The MLA said the idea to name an island in honour of the long-time community supporter may seem like a straight-forward decision, but there are some political hoops to get through.
“Because when you name something like this, then it’s forever,” said Danyluk. “And that’s why it’s vital the community gets fully behind it.”
He encourages community members to send letters and emails to the minister of Tourism Parks & Recreation, and to his own office expressing their support for the idea.
“This is a process that needs to take place. We know that. We want to get that support,” said Danyluk. “This is one place in the whole government process that writing a support letter really counts.”
Which island will be singled out to carry the Maccagno name — if the request is accepted — is still not known.
To contact the Tourism, Parks and Recreation office, go to www.tpr.alberta.ca. Danyluk’s email is [email protected]
