Fort Erie

objectid: ontario_forterie
format: record
Settlement Name: Fort Erie
Province, Territory, or State: Ontario
Country: Canada
Keywords: gender; race
Has Policy?: Yes
Policy: Street Naming Policy:

1.0 INTRODUCTION Street naming has potential consequences in terms of the ability of emergency services to find an address in a community quickly. Street naming is essential to adequate wayfinding by delivery vehicles and in general by the motoring public. Street names can have a cultural and sociological influence on a community. Many housing subdivision developers consider street names important to the marketing of their houses. Street names should thus be chosen with sufficient care and street naming must be subject to the approval of the Municipality through an established process and set of criteria. 2.0 PURPOSE To provide guidance to the Street Naming Committee (the Committee) in the selection and recommendation for adoption of street names, to the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the Town of Fort Erie. 3.0 AUTHORITY Under the Municipal Act 2001, Section 47, a Municipality has the authority to name or change the name of a road by passing a By-law. Public notice however must be given in a manner to be established by Council as per Section 25 1. The Municipal Act 2001, Section 48, extends Council's street naming authority to private roads. The Town of Fort Erie Street Naming Committee and appointments thereto was originally established by By-law 143-2002 dated August 26, 2002 amended by By-law 197-2002 dated October 15, 2002. 4.0 STREET NAMING COMMITTEE COMPOSITION The Street Naming Committee shall be established as follows: Director, Public Works (Chair) Public Works Office Manager (Secretary) Member of Council Town Clerk Niagara Regional Police Representative Fire Chief Manager of Development Approvals Planning Officer Engineering Division Manager - (Design Engineer - alternate) 5.0 PROCESS 5.1 General By-law 143-2002 requires that all requests for a street name or a street name change, either by individual request, petition, or by receipt of a draft plan of subdivision, or any other method of land division, be submitted to the Town Clerk. The Town Clerk will include the request on the next regular Council Agenda with a reference to the Street Naming Committee for review and recommendation. 5.2 Naming of New Streets and Street Name Chan~es 1) All requests for the naming of a street, set of streets or for a street name change, other than by plan of subdivision (See Section 5.3 below) must be presented to the Clerk by written petition signed by the majority of the affected property owners involved. All adequate petitioners will be included on the Agenda for the next Regular meeting of Council and referred to the Street Naming Committee for review and recommendation. 2) The Street Naming Committee, with advice from the Clerk, will judge the validity of the request and report its findings to Council through the Minutes of the Committee. 3) In recommending a street name, the Street Naming Committee shall ensure the criteria set out in Section 6 below are followed. 4) As part of its deliberations, the Street Naming Committee may choose to receive delegations and to seek specialist advice. 5) Upon receipt of the recommendation of the Street Naming Committee by Council through the Committee minutes, Council shall either approve the street name or renaming or deny the request. 6) If approved, the Clerk shall be directed to advertise the proposed new street name or renaming for two (2) consecutive weeks in the local paper pursuant to Section 47 of the Municipal Act 2001, which provides "before passing a by-law naming a highway or changing the name of a highway, a municipality shall give public notice of its intention to pass the by-law." At the same time, the notice of the recommendation shall be circulated to all affected property owners and interested agencies. 7) If there is no objection to the proposed street naming, a by-law shall be submitted to Council to name or rename the street according to the date set out in the public notice. If an objection is raised, it should be referred to the Committee for consideration and recommendation. 8) Since the new Municipal Act does not require the registration of a street naming or renaming by-law, the following process shall be followed in the interest of cost effectiveness: a. If the subject highway is included in the Land Title Registry at the Registry Office, and the highway or portion thereof to be named or renamed is PINNED, describe the subject highway and include the PIN number; b. If the subject highway is in the Registry System, there are three (3) options available: i. Pass the by-law containing a description such as "that portion of Street located between and Street." The by-law may then be entered in the by-law book at the Registry Office only. Any future reference plans or plans of subdivision will show a portion of the renamed street on the plan and it should contain a caption under the new street name identifying the name changing bylaw number and date. . . 11. Prepare a sketch showing the extent and adjoining lands for the portion of highway to be named or renamed and attach it and refer to it in the by-law. Ensure contact with the Registry Office first and explain what is attempted to be achieved. . . . 111. Where in the event (i) and (ii) do not apply or are not achievable, and a satisfactory legal description is not available, then the by-law shall not be registered in the Registry Office but it shall be logged in the Street Registry to be maintained in the Clerk's Office. iv. If all else fails, and a reference plan is absolutely necessary, then a reference plan may be undertaken. v. Where a legal description does exist for the street naming or renaming, the name shall be registered in the Registry Office. 9) All street naming or renaming by-laws shall be logged in the Street Registry available in the Clerk's Department which shall be posted on the Town's web site. 10)Once a street name has been adopted, the Clerk, emergency services, affected property owners, and transportation authorities and interested agencies shall be notified. 1 l)If a street name change involves a change of municipal numbers, the Clerk shall notify the property owners of the change. 1) The developer shall be encouraged to refer to the approved list of available street names (see Section 7.0). 2) In the instances where the developer selects names from the approved list, the Planning staff shall add those names to the subdivision plan and then circulate that plan to all of the agencies who have an interest in street names as per the subdivision plan review process. 3) In instances where the developer elects to provide his own list of names and does not wish to select names from the approved list, then the Planning Staff shall: a. Prepare a notification letter to agencies and request their comments as to the suitability of the names. b. Once comments have been received, refer the proposed names to the Street Naming Committee for review and recommendation. c. Planning Staff shall prepare a report to Council based on the Street Naming Committee's recommendation and the comments received for other interested agencies. If the recommendations are favourable, the report recommend that the names be added to the approved street name list. If the recommendations are not favourable, the report shall recommend that the proposed street names be referred back to the proponent with recommended changes. d. On Council's approval of the report, Planning Staff shall add the names to the subdivision plan and shall notify the impacted public agencies of the street names within that proposed subdivision. 4) The street names adopted for the subdivision shall subsequently be confirmed and approved through the subdivision and public notice and approval process.

and public notice and approval process. 6.0 SELECTION OF NAMES Street names should be selected using the following criteria: + Names should not be offensive to the general public and in particular the neighbourhood involved. + Duplication of names should not be permitted. + Similar sounding or spelt names should be avoided. + Names difficult to spell and/or pronounce should be avoided. + Street names should be limited to three or less words including the suffm; e.g., John Doe Drive. + Street name suffvres (Avenue, Drive, Road, Boulevard, etc.) should be properly used in accordance with their meaning as set out in Schedule A. + For discontinuous roads, such as those created by the construction of a major highway such as the QEW, road sections can be identified by geographical compass point location e.g. North/South, East/West. Alternatively, consideration should be given to renaming such roads. The cost, both to the Town and to residents, of changing road names to meet these conditions must be considered. + Names selected should have a historical, cultural, social and/or environmental reference. + In developments, names should preferably be assigned in accordance with an appropriate theme. + Where appropriate for the location, street names may be selected to advertise businesses and tourist locations which can be identified by a single identity or theme; e.g., Duty Free Way, Hospital Drive. The Community Planning and Development Department, Planning Officer will maintain a current listing of names adopted for both developed roadways and unopened roadways. 7.0 BANK OF APPROPRIATE NAMES The Street Naming Committee will create a bank of appropriate names meeting the above criteria under specific themes by use for developers and petitioners as the need arises; themes such as: + Historical persons and families; + Persons and organizations who have provided significant service to the Town; + Historical places or events; + Native cultural themes; + Environmental or nature themes; + Agricultural themes. The Committee will also maintain a list of inappropriate names.

8.0 ANOMALIES The Street Naming Committee should identify and list anomalies and non-conformance in the Town street names and road network for evaluation and correction as applicable. Of particular concern is discontinuous roads. A list of anomalies should be provided to emergency services and made available to businesses

Park Naming Policy:

SECTION 1.0 – INTRODUCTION Town parks are an important part of the community fabric and their names contribute to creating a sense of place, community and identity within the Town of Fort Erie. A park name can reflect and acknowledge its unique location, history, geography, environment and/or neighbourhood. Park names should be considered and selected with care, and park naming and renaming should be subject to an established process and set of criteria and principles. This policy establishes the criteria, principles and processes by which Council may consider the naming and renaming of Town parks in a transparent, equitable and efficient manner. SECTION 2.0 – PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to:  Establish a clear process for the naming and renaming of Town parks that is transparent, efficient and equitable, and which encourages public participation; and  Establish criteria and principles to assess the appropriateness of a name and to ensure that names are consistent with the identity, values, and character of the Town of Fort Erie and the area or neighbourhood served. 3.5 “Town” means The Corporation of the Town of Fort Erie. SECTION 4.0 – NAMING PRINCIPLES AND CRITERIA 4.1 Naming Principles When a Town park is named or renamed, the following principles shall be applied: a) Names shall be unique; name duplication and similar sounding names shall be avoided; b) Names shall have a unique origin. Names shall not recognize an individual, organization, or historic or geographic feature that has already been recognized through the naming of another Town park; c) Names shall portray a strong positive image of the Town, give a sense of place, continuity and belonging, and celebrate the distinguishing characteristics and uniqueness of the Town; d) The rationale associated with the selection of a particular name shall be understandable and justifiable to Town residents; e) Names shall not: a. be political in nature; b. be or be perceived as discriminatory or derogatory of race, colour, ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, creed, disability or other social factors; c. result in inappropriate abbreviations or acronyms; d. unduly detract from the character or integrity of the community or the aesthetic quality of the property; e. impair the ability of First Responders to respond to emergencies. f) Names shall be consistent with any other applicable Town policies and standards; g) In instances where multiple names have been submitted for a single park, multiple applications shall be processed and submitted for Council consideration; h) Notwithstanding any provisions contained in this policy, Council may change a park name; i) Town parks that have been named or renamed in the previous twenty (20) years shall not be renamed; j) Unless identified as desirable or directed by Council, the renaming of an existing park shall bear a higher threshold of significance, relevance and necessity. To this end, the renaming of an existing park shall require the applicant to identify and ensure the support of those involved in the original park naming and development; k) Park signage shall be consistent with the Town’s wayfinding standards. Any additional signage requested by an applicant will be considered through a separate process, pursuant to the Town of Fort Erie Guidelines for the Installation of Interpretive Pieces on Municipal Property (2014). 4.2 Naming Criteria The Town has three (3) accepted categories of names for the naming and renaming of Town parks, being: 1) Geographic, 2) Historic or Cultural, and 3) Prominent Individuals or Organizations. These categories are listed below and are explained for further clarification: 4.2.1 Geographic – A name having direct geographical significance or affiliation with the park, which may include, but is not limited to the following: a. a neighbourhood, community or subdivision b. an adjacent street c. a noteworthy physical, environmental, ecological or scenic feature, quality or characteristic d. proximity to a recognizable facility or area Local examples include Crystal Ridge Park, Shagbark Nature Park and Bowen Road Park 4.2.2 Historic or Cultural – A name having direct historical or cultural significance or affiliation to the park, which may include, but is not limited to the following: a. a local, provincial or national historical or heritage event b. a reference that is of cultural importance or significance Local examples include Ridgeway Battlefield Park and United Empire Loyalist Park 4.2.3 Prominent Individuals or Organizations – The name of a Fort Erie resident (living or posthumous) or organization that has direct significance or affiliation to the park, which may include, but is not limited to the following: a. individuals or families having a historical connection to the site (such as a previous landowner or land donor) b. individuals or organizations having made a significant contribution to the local community or Town c. individuals or organizations who have made an outstanding contribution provincially, nationally, or internationally Local examples include Madelaine Faiazza Memorial Park and Ridgeway Lions Park d. In cases where names are affiliated with individuals or organizations, the following criteria must be met: i. The contributions of the individual or organization must be welldocumented and broadly acknowledged within the community; ii. A direct relationship or association must exist between the individual or organization and the park being considered; iii. The reputation of the individual or organization must be honorable and beyond reproach to be considered for naming or renaming; iv. In the case of an individual being an elected official or civil servant, he/she must be retired from public service or deceased; v. Written permission shall be obtained from the individual or organization for such naming or renaming; vi. If the individual is deceased, written permission shall be obtained from the next of kin or legal representative for such naming or renaming; and vii. If permission from the individual or organization cannot be obtained, the Town may approve the name if the applicant is able to demonstrate reasonable documented efforts to obtain consent to the satisfaction of the Town. In cases where applications do not meet the criteria set out in Section 4, an applicant may be referred to the Town’s Memorial Bench and Memorial Tree programs as alternative methods of commemoration. SECTION 5.0 – TOWN PARK NAMING PROCESS The naming of Town parks may be initiated in two (2) ways: by members of the public, or by Town staff and Council. 5.1 Application Submission All applicants shall submit a completed Town of Fort Erie Park Naming Application Form to Planning and Development Services, providing sufficient information and evidence as to how the proposed name satisfies the Naming Principles and Criteria of this policy. An application will be considered complete if the following information is submitted: a. A rationale for the naming request, which addresses the Naming Criteria and Principles of this policy; b. Documentation that substantiates the rationale (eg. copies of newspaper articles, certificates, awards, services records, pictures, maps, excerpts from books or articles, historical documents, research articles or documents, etc.) If the applicant is proposing to name a park after an individual or organization, the following information is also required to be provided by the applicant: c. Background information and/or biographical information demonstrating that the proposed name is of significance to the community and/or the Town and is directly linked to the park; and d. A letter addressed to the Town from the individual or organization being honoured, or in the event that the individual is deceased or the organization no longer exists, from their next of kin or legal representative, or past members of the organization, granting permission to name the park. 5.2 Application Review Each application for naming shall undergo a process wherein staff will review the application for conformity to this policy and will circulate the application to relevant stakeholders for review and comment on the suitability of the application. Fort Erie Museum Services staff are the expert resource and authority relative to the historical accuracy and appropriateness of a proposed name. The duration of the review process will be dictated by the nature of the naming application. 5.3 Community Consultation Community members shall be informed of all naming requests by way of notification in the newspaper, on the Town website, and through social media. Property owners located with 120 meters of the park will be notified by mail. Following notification, members of the public will have thirty (30) calendar days to provide comments relative to the proposed name. Information relative to park naming requests will be provided through the Town’s online public engagement platforms, through which members of the public may provide input. Comments may also be provided directly to Town staff. 5.4 Costs a) Park Naming Initiated by the Town The costs associated with park naming, including but not limited to Town wayfinding signage, administrative, ceremonial, and legal costs, shall be the responsibility of the Town. b) Park Naming Requests Initiated by Members of the Public The Town shall bear administrative and Town wayfinding signage costs. All other associated costs shall be the responsibility of the applicant. SECTION 6.0 – TOWN PARK RENAMING PROCESS The renaming of Town parks may be initiated in two (2) ways: by members of the public, or by Town staff and Council. The renaming of Town parks carries with it a much greater impact in comparison to inceptive naming. The tradition, continuity and identification of names are imbedded in the community and tied to important community values. Consideration of a park renaming request carries a higher threshold of significance, relevance and necessity. An application for park renaming must meet the criteria and principles of this policy, provide valid justification for replacing the existing name, and demonstrate consultation with the community and those originally involved in the naming and development of the park. Town parks that have been named or renamed in the past twenty (20) years will not be considered for renaming. Critical examination will be conducted to ensure that renaming the park will not diminish the original justification for the name or the prior contributors. Existing names shall not be changed without the consideration of: a. the historical and cultural significance of the existing name; b. the impact on the individual or organization associated with the existing name; c. the cost and impact of changing existing signage, rebuilding community recognition and updating records (databases, maps, promotional materials, legal documents, website, etc.); d. the level of community and stakeholder support; and e. the best interest of the community. 6.1 Application Submission All applicants shall submit a completed Town of Fort Erie Park Naming Application Form to Planning and Development Services, providing sufficient information and evidence as to how the proposed name satisfies the Naming Principles and Criteria of this policy. An application will be considered complete if the following is submitted: a. A rationale for the renaming request, which addresses the Naming Criteria and Principles of this policy; b. Documentation that substantiates the rationale (eg. copies of newspaper articles, certificates, awards, services records, pictures, maps, excerpts from books or articles, historical documents, research articles or documents, etc.) If the applicant is proposing to rename a park after an individual or organization, the following information is also required to be provided by the applicant: c. Background information and/or biographical information demonstrating that the proposed name is of significance to the community and/or the Town and is directly linked to the park; e. A letter addressed to the Town from the individual or organization being honoured, or in the event that the individual is deceased or the organization no longer exists, from their next of kin or legal representative, or past members of the organization, granting permission to rename the park; and If the applicant is proposing to change an existing commemorative name, the following information is also required to be provided by the applicant: f. Written permission to rename the park from the individual, next of kin or legal representative, organization or past members associated with the original naming or development of the park.

SECTION 7.0 – NAME SELECTION Following application review and community consultation, Town staff shall submit an administrative report to Council, outlining their review process and offering a recommendation for consideration. The report shall include, but not be limited to: a. completed application form b. background and biographical information c. documentation supporting the request d. comments from stakeholders e. comments from community consultation f. associated financial implications g. option(s) for consideration h. recommendation Aside from the applicant’s name, the applicant’s personal information will not be made public.
Policy Score: 72