A stretch of 20th Street in Brandon is now officially known as James Ehnes Way. The honorary street name, located adjacent to the Brandon University campus, was unveiled during a two-day visit from the internationally acclaimed, Brandon-born violinist earlier this month.
The city council unanimously approved the designation this past April to recognize Ehnes, who has earned two Grammy Awards and twelve Juno Awards throughout his career. The violinist received his early musical training at the university, where his father, Alan Ehnes, served as a long-time trumpet professor.
The unveiling ceremony took place just before a sold-out concert at the school’s Lorne Watson Recital Hall. The performance was part of a cross-Canada tour celebrating the musician’s 50th birthday. While the new street signs have been installed, the university noted that postal addresses remain unchanged and will continue to be listed as 270–18th Street.
This designation marks only the third honorary street naming in the history of Brandon. According to the city, the name will remain in place for five years, at which time the honorary status can be reviewed for renewal. The cost to produce and install the signs was approximately $100.
