Hamilton park to be renamed to honour teen killed in 2019 stabbing

Hamilton city councillors approved the renaming of a park in the city’s east end to honour a teen who was murdered in 2019.

Councillors unanimously approved the renaming of Roxborough Park to Devan Selvey Memorial Park.

In October 2019, 14-year-old Devan Selvey was stabbed to death in front of his mother as she arrived at school to rescue him from alleged bullies.

Selvey was killed by another 14-year-old outside of Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School.

The teenager, who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was charged with second-degree murder in Selvey’s death. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to seven years.

WATCH MORE: Teen who pleaded guilty in Devan Selvey’s death sentenced to 7 years

Roxborough Park is close to where Selvey was killed and it’s in the neighbourhood of Queenston Road and Parkdale Avenue where he grew up.

“A tragic thing happened. It’s going to be nice for the neighbourhood. Everyone’s going to remember him, everyone’s going to hear his story,” a neighbour said in reaction to the name change.

“It’s very sad that Devan passed away. I don’t see any reason why not to change the name of the park,” another neighbour said.

Selvey’s death sparked a province-wide conversation about bullying and encouraged the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board to create a new anti-bullying panel.

Selvey’s mother submitted the application to rename the park.

City staff say the new name will be put on the existing sign, along with other upgrades to the park.

WATCH MORE: Judge discusses fate of teen who killed Devan Selvey in 2019