Late founder of Canad Inns celebrated with honorary street name

The founder of Canad Inns will be remembered through an honorary street name, alongside his homegrown hotel chain’s Garden City location.

On Thursday, the city installed a sign to mark “Leo Ledohowski Way” on Jefferson Avenue between McPhillips and Watson streets.

“It is a lasting tribute … to a man who devoted so much of his life to this city and province and whose legacy will continue to inspire those who travel the road for years to come … From this day forward, Leo’s name will be part of Winnipeg’s landscape,” said Coun. Janice Lukes (Waverley West), city council’s acting deputy mayor.

Ledohowski died last year at the age of 81. He started the Canad Inns hotel chain in the 1970s. At an event to unveil the street sign, he was described as a tireless entrepreneur, philanthropist and hospitality leader, as well as a cheerleader for both Winnipeg and Manitoba.

“He has left a significant mark on our city and province. Leo was a proud Manitoban. He believed deeply in Winnipeg, in Manitoba and the people who call this province home,” said Lukes.

In his early years, Ledohowski attended a one-room school in the small community of Poplarfield. He maintained an ability to “dream big” and created a company that helped showcase Winnipeg to the world, said Lukes.

“He helped shape our city and province through innovation and jobs,” she said.

Lea Ledohowski, the daughter of Leo Ledohowski and the president of Canad Inns, said adding his moniker to a city street is fitting.

“Leo was a man of true passion and Winnipeg was one of his great loves … To know that he will be commemorated in this way is something that is really special and meaningful,” she said.

Leo Ledohowski served on the board of the Manitoba Hotel Association for more than 25 years and on the board of the Hotel Association of Canada for 20 years. He was also a former director of the Business Council of Manitoba’s board and served as honorary consul of Ukraine to Manitoba.

He received the Order of Manitoba in 2022 and a Distinguished Service Award from the University of Manitoba in 2003.

He has also been recognized for his philanthropy, which included a $1-million donation to help build the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

Coun. Devi Sharma (Old Kildonan) said adding his name to a prominent city route makes sense.

“This honour is so fitting for Leo Ledohowski (and) the legacy that he’s left in our city and province … He contributed so much to the economy,” said Sharma.

Lukes also presented a Mayor’s Organizational Community Service Award to Canad Inns. The company’s 50th anniversary took place last year.

“When we look back over these 50 years, we can see that Canad Inns has not simply grown in Winnipeg, it has helped Winnipeg grow. It has invested in our city, it has created jobs and opportunities and it has welcomed visitors,” she said.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

X: @joyanne_pursaga