Jack Uppal Street to be first Vancouver street named for a South Asian Canadian

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      Vancouver will have its first street named after a South Asian Canadian.

      On Wednesday (April 6), Mayor Gregor Robertson will be presenting a street sign to honour Sikh pioneer, leader, and businessman Jack Uppal. The sign will be presented to Uppal's daughter Cindy Bains at Vancouver City Hall.

      The street will be located in South Vancouver's River District.

      The Civic Asset Naming Committee chose to recognize Jagat "Jack" Singh Uppal for his achievements, contributions, and legacy.

      Uppal's father was among the first wave of Sikh immigrants in British Columbia and Uppal, who arrived in B.C. from Punjab in 1926, was one of the first Sikh children to attend Vancouver public school.

      He became a lumber company owner, received the British Columbia Community Achievement Award in 2010, and also received an honorary doctorate from Simon Fraser University in 2012.

      Uppal, who also became a vocal activist against racism and discrimination throughout his life, died at the age of 89 in 2014.

      You can follow Craig Takeuchi on Twitter at twitter.com/cinecraig or on Facebook.

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