Sisters ask County to honour parents' legacy with future street name

Michael and Mary Zell devoted decades of service to the Paris community through volunteerism, local organizations and countless acts of kindness. On July 28, daughters Teresa Manning and Denise Haggart appeared before County of Brant council to request that the family name "Zell" be added to the municipality's pre-approved commemorative street name list, honouring the legacy of their parents. Michael Zell passed away in 1990, while Mary Zell died on Nov. 24, 2003, at Telfer Place in Paris.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

As the County of Brant continues to grow and new subdivisions take shape, two Paris sisters are hoping the legacy of their parents will one day become part of the community's map.

Teresa Manning appeared before County of Brant council on July 28, accompanied by her sister Denise Haggart, to formally request that Michael and Mary Zell be added to the County's pre-approved list of commemorative street names.

Teresa Manning and Denise Haggart are two of Michael and Mary Zell's five children. Their siblings are Michael Zell, Peter Zell and Elissa Sherred.

"My name is Teresa Manning. I was born and raised in the Town of Paris, a place that will always hold a special place in my heart," Manning told council. "As the town continues to grow, I've noticed many new streets being named after families who helped build and shape our community. Having grown up on Banfield Street, I recognize many of those names, and it inspired me to make this heartfelt request."

Manning asked council to consider naming a future street "Zell" in honour of her parents, describing them as lifelong community builders whose contributions extended well beyond their careers.

"My parents moved to Paris in 1950. My father always believed that if you wanted to be part of a community, you should get involved. He lived by those words," she said.

Michael Zell served during the Second World War, with his military service permanently recognized on the Paris Veterans Memorial Map. Following the war, he spent four decades managing Muttart Building Supplies, now the Home Building Centre, where Manning recalled his reputation for trust and generosity.

"In the days before Sunday shopping, if customers needed supplies, Dad would gladly open the store, help them, and simply tell them to pay on Monday. That kind of trust, generosity, and community spirit defined who he was."

Beyond his career, Manning said her father was active with the United Church, Paris Lions Club, Board of Trade and the Masonic Lodge, where he served as Past Master. He also volunteered as a public speaking judge at Central School and coordinated Salvation Army Christmas hampers after retirement.

Her mother, Mary Zell, was equally committed to the community.

"Along with several other women, she helped establish the Lady Lions in 1954. She was an enthusiastic curler, an avid bowler, and always brought warmth, kindness, and laughter to everyone she met."

Manning said both parents devoted countless volunteer hours to making Paris a better place.

"My parents were caring, loving, and supportive. They were respected members of the community who devoted countless hours to making Paris a better place. Their generosity, compassion, and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on everyone who knew them."

Concluding her presentation, Manning said, "It would mean a great deal to our family if Council would recognize their legacy by naming a street 'Zell.'"

Unlike popular belief, council does not simply assign names whenever a new subdivision is built.

Under the County of Brant's road naming policy, developers are responsible for selecting street names from municipal pre-approved commemorative lists during the subdivision planning process. The selection occurs after draft plan approval but before a subdivision servicing agreement is executed.

The policy requires that at least 75 per cent of new subdivision street names come from the County's approved list of local veterans. A separate commemorative list recognizes community members who have made significant historical or civic contributions to the County.

Before names are finalized, County planning staff and emergency services review the proposed street names to ensure they are not duplicates or easily confused with existing roads. Once approved, the names become part of the municipality's official mapping records.

Individuals can also be nominated for inclusion on the County's commemorative lists. Applications are reviewed by planning staff to ensure they meet the policy criteria before being considered by council. Veterans must have local ties and military service, while community members are recognized for significant documented contributions to the County. The policy also generally favours posthumous recognition.

If council ultimately approves adding Michael and Mary Zell to the commemorative list, the decision would not immediately result in a street bearing their name. Instead, "Zell" would become one of the names available for developers to choose from when planning future subdivisions in the County of Brant.