If not for Mary Ann Cross many of North York’s streets and parks would bear names of no significance whatsoever, such as flowers that never grew in the area. But thanks to Cross’ tireless efforts, several now carry the names of community pioneers.

“Mary Ann Cross has assumed the role of champion for the naming of streets and parks in North York to remember, honour and celebrate the early settlers of North York, with the active support of the North York Community Preservation Panel,” said panel chair, Geoff Kettel, who nominated her for an Urban Hero Award.

Cross has worked diligently to get families’ consent for their ancestors’ names to be honoured, Kettel said.

She is so far responsible for eight historical names being used for road signs including Johnson Farm Lane southwest of Finch Avenue and Yonge Street commemorating the area’s once rural landscape and a number of streets in Downsview’s Stanley Greene neighbourhood.