Toronto

objectid: ontario_toronto
format: record
Settlement Name: Toronto
Province, Territory, or State: Ontario
Country: Canada
Keywords: gender; indigenous; race
Has Policy?: Yes
Policy: Street Naming Policy: Policy Statement: Street names are critical for municipal addressing and emergency response purposes. This policy establishes criteria to name or rename a Street or assign a Ceremonial Name to a Street.

Criteria for Naming or Renaming a Street or Assigning a Ceremonial Name to a Street 3.1 The City will consider proposals for Street naming but is under no obligation to accept a proposal to name, or rename a Street, or assign a Ceremonial Name to a Street. 3.2 Street names, including ceremonial Street names, should portray a strong positive image, and have historical, cultural, Indigenous or social significance to the community, Toronto, Ontario or Canada. 3.3 Proposals for new Ceremonial names or new Street names that commemorate one or more individuals, communities, organizations, events, or ideas of significance to Toronto, Ontario or Canada, must demonstrate alignment with the Guiding Principles for Commemoration. 3.4 Proposed names in an Indigenous language or a Commemorative Name recognizing an Indigenous individual, organization, event or concept will require consultation with Indigenous communities and adherence to appropriate Indigenous practices or protocols. 3.5 Street names shall not impair the ability of First Responders to respond to emergencies or impair the City’s ability to deliver services. 3.6 Streets that have been named, renamed, or assigned a Ceremonial Name or whose names have been reviewed within the previous ten years will generally not be renamed or reviewed. 3.7 Assigning a Ceremonial Name to a Street will be considered before renaming a Street. 3.8 Suffixes for Street names are assigned by Engineering & Construction Services to ensure the appropriate suffix is used to describe the type, function, length and configuration of the Street. 3.9 All costs to the City involved in naming or renaming a private Street shall be the responsibility of the applicant. 3.10 Street names, including Ceremonial Names, shall not: 3.10.1 Result in, or be perceived to confer, any competitive advantage, benefit or preferential treatment or advertisement to the named party, or a product, service or a particular business; 3.10.2 Be or be perceived to be discriminatory of race, colour, ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, creed, political affiliation, disability or other social factors; 3.10.3 Result in inappropriate abbreviations or acronyms; 3.10.4 Duplicate or be similar sounding to an existing Street name; 3.10.5 Place the City in conflict with any agreements established in the acquisition or management of the Street; and 3.10.6 Make a direct or indirect reference to recent events or recently deceased individuals, except where the event or the individual had a legacy or significant contributions to the City of Toronto. Names of recent events or recently deceased individual may be considered after two years. 3.11 Street signs must comply with the Corporate Identity Program and the physical location of the sign shall be determined by the City. 3.12 Naming or renaming a Street, or assigning a Ceremonial Name to a Street, on behalf of an individual, event, or an organization requires the written consent of the named party or the named party's representative. 3.12.1 In circumstances where consent has not been received, the City, in the absence of any refusal to provide consent or legal concerns, may approve the name if it is satisfied that reasonable efforts have been made to obtain consent.

4. Naming Streets on Draft Plans of Subdivisions 4.1 A proposal to name Streets on a Draft Plan of Subdivision is to be made using the Street Naming Application through Engineering & Construction Services and at minimum is to include: 4.1.1 The proposed Street names, including background information on the names; 4.1.2 A copy of the draft plan of a subdivision; 4.1.3 Description of alignment with the Guiding Principles for Commemoration, if the proposed name is a Commemorative Name; and 4.1.4. Proposed names in an Indigenous language or a Commemorative Name recognizing an Indigenous individual, organization, event or concept will require consultation with Indigenous communities and adherence to appropriate Indigenous practices or protocols. 4.2 The Division Head of Engineering & Construction Services will assess proposed Street names for draft plans of subdivisions in accordance with this Policy and consult with the Ward Councillor prior to granting approval. 4.2.1 If the proposed Street name is a Commemorative Name, Engineering & Construction Services will consult with Economic Development & Culture to confirm that the proposed name is in alignment with the Guiding Principles for Commemoration. 4.3 In the event that the Ward Councillor does not support the proposed name(s), the relevant Community Council, (or City Council if it affects more than one Community Council or has City-wide Significance), will consider the proposed name(s).

5. Naming an Unnamed Street 5.1 A proposal to name an Unnamed Street is to be made using the Street Naming Application through Engineering & Construction Services and at minimum is to include: 5.1.1 The proposed name; 5.1.2 Rationale for naming the Street, including alignment with the Guiding Principles for Commemoration if the proposed name is a commemorative name; 5.1.3 Documented support for the proposed name, including support from property owners/ residents who directly abut the Unnamed Street and local community members and/or organizations; 5.1.4 A map or an illustration, including major intersections of the unnamed Street; and 5.1.5 Proposed names in an Indigenous language or a Commemorative Name recognizing an Indigenous individual, organization, event or concept will require consultation with Indigenous communities and adherence to appropriate Indigenous practices or protocols. 5.2 If the proposed name complies with this Policy, the City shall give public notice on its intention to name the Street including the proposed name. 5.3 Community Council, (or City Council if it affects more than one Community Council or, in the opinion of the City Manager, has City-wide Significance), shall consider the proposed name. 5.4 If the proposed name does not comply with the Policy, the Division Head of Engineering & Construction Services will report to Community Council.

6. Renaming City Streets 6.1 A proposal to rename a Street is to be made using the Street Naming Application through Engineering & Construction Services and at minimum is to include: 6.1.1 Rationale for changing the name and significance of the proposed name, including alignment with the Guiding Principles for Commemoration if the proposed name is a Commemorative Name; 6.1.2 Relevance of the proposed name to the Street; 6.1.3 Documented support, including but not limited to petitions and support letters, from at least 75 percent of property owners that abut the Street; 6.1.4 A map or an illustration, including major intersections of the Street to be renamed; and 6.1.5 Proposed names in an Indigenous language or a Commemorative Name recognizing an Indigenous individual, organization, event or concept will require consultation with Indigenous communities and adherence to appropriate Indigenous practices or protocols. 6.2 If the proposed name complies with this Policy, the City will provide public notice on its intention to rename an existing Street and the proposed name. 6.3 The relevant Community Council, (or City Council if it affects more than one Community Council or, in the opinion of the City Manager, has City-wide Significance), shall consider the proposed name. 6.4 If the proposed name does not comply with the Policy, the Division Head of Engineering & Construction Services will report to Community Council.

7. Assigning a Ceremonial Name to a City Street 7.1 A proposal to assign a Ceremonial Name to a Street is to be made using the Ceremonial Street Naming Application through Economic Development & Culture and at minimum is to include: 7.1.1 The Street proposed for the Ceremonial Name; 7.1.2 Rationale and significance of the proposed name, including alignment with the Guiding Principles for Commemoration; 7.1.3 Relevance of the proposed name to the Street, community and City; 7.1.4 Documented support from the local community, including but not limited to petitions and support letters; 7.1.5 A map or an illustration, including major intersections of the Street; and 7.1.6 Proposed Ceremonial Street names that in an Indigenous language or recognize an Indigenous individual, organization, event or concept will require consultation with Indigenous communities and adherence to appropriate Indigenous practices or protocols. 7.2 The proposed name will be considered by the relevant Community Council, (or City Council if it affects more than one Community Council or, in the opinion of the City Manager, has City-wide significance). 7.3 In circumstances, where a specific Street or location is not identified, Economic Development & Culture will provide Street location options in a report to Community Council (or City Council if it affects more than one Community Council or, in the opinion of the City Manager, has City-wide significance).

8. Requests to Review Existing Commemorative Street Names 8.1 The City will consider requests to review an existing Commemorative Name of a City Street, including a Ceremonial Name, where the name: 8.1.1 Refers to current or historic persons known for their discriminatory views and actions, including committing or perpetuating acts of racism or violence against Indigenous Peoples, Black communities and/or equitydeserving groups; 8.1.2 Includes derogatory terms that might represent or be linked with discriminatory views and actions; 8.1.3 Negatively represents or appropriates the culture of Indigenous Peoples, Black communities or equity-deserving groups; 8.1.4 Is inconsistent with City By-laws or policies including the City of Toronto Human Rights and Anti-Harassment / Discrimination Policy; and/or 8.1.5 Brings the City of Toronto into disrepute. 8.2. Requests from the public to review the name of a Street must be made using the City Street Name Review Application process through Economic Development & Culture and at minimum is to include: 8.2.1 The name of the Street; 8.2.2 Rationale for reviewing the Street name based on criteria outlined in Section 8.1 of this Policy and the City’s Guiding Principles for Commemoration; and 8.2.3 Documented support from the community, including but not limited to petitions and support letters. 8.3 Economic Development and Culture, working with other Divisions as appropriate and in consultation with the Ward Councillor(s), will review the request and recommend one of the following responses: 8.3.1 Recommend to City Council that the Street be renamed; 8.3.2 Install signage, plaques or other interpretive materials to provide information to the public about the cultural and/or historical context of the Street name; 8.3.3 Conclude that no action is required; or 8.3.4 Identify another action supported by residents. 8.4 Economic Development and Culture may request additional information from the applicant and/or conduct additional research and/or public consultations to determine the appropriate response to the request. 8.5 Authority to rename a Street for any of the reasons outlined in Section 8.1 of this Policy must be sought from City Council. 8.5.1 City Council may waive Section 6.1.3 of this Policy requiring that 75% of property owners on the Street to agree to the name change if Council deems that the criteria in Section 8.1 of this Policy have been met.

City of Toronto Property Naming Policy: 1. Policy Statement City Properties are an important fabric of the community. The names of City Properties may reflect a given property's characteristics; indicate the unique location, geography, or community where the property is located; commemorate individuals, communities, organizations, events, and ideas of significance to Toronto, Ontario or Canada; and/or recognize Indigenous Peoples' past, present, and future presence on the land. This Policy establishes the criteria and process to name or rename a City Property. This Policy does not apply in the following situations: • When naming or renaming City Properties in return for financial or in-kind contributions, including sponsorships, in which case the City of Toronto Individual and Corporate Naming Rights Policy applies • When naming City Streets, in which case the City of Toronto Street Naming Policy applies This Policy also does not apply to memorials, events or fee-for-service programs, such as the Commemorative Tree and Bench Program.

3. Criteria to Name or Rename a City Property 3.1 Names of City Properties will facilitate navigation to and from a property and will either: 3.1.1 Indicate the location and/or features of the City Property; or 3.1.2 Commemorate one or more individuals, communities, organizations, events, or ideas of significance to Toronto, Ontario or Canada, in accordance with the Guiding Principles for Commemoration. 3.2 Proposed names in an Indigenous language or a Commemorative Name recognizing an Indigenous individual, organization, event or concept will require consultation with Indigenous communities and adherence to appropriate Indigenous practices or protocols. 3.3 The duration of the property name is at the sole discretion of the City and may be revoked or the City Property may be renamed. 3.4 City Property names shall not impair the ability of First Responders to respond to emergencies or impair the City’s ability to deliver services. 3.5 City Properties that have been named or renamed or whose names have been reviewed in the previous ten years will generally not be renamed or reviewed, unless necessary for safety or operational purposes. 3.6 The City will not rename ravines, woodlands and other ecological features, unless renamed in an Indigenous language and in consultation with Indigenous communities and Indigenous rights-holders. 3.7 Names of City Properties shall not: 3.7.1 Result in, or be perceived to confer, any competitive advantage, benefit or preferential treatment or advertisement to the named party, or a development, product, service or a particular business; 3.7.2 Be or be perceived to be discriminatory or derogatory of race, colour, ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, creed, political affiliation, disability or other social factors; 3.7.3 Result in inappropriate abbreviations or acronyms; 3.7.4 Duplicate another named City Property; 3.7.5 Unduly detract from the character, integrity of the community or aesthetic quality of the property or unreasonable interference with its enjoyment or use; 3.7.6 Place the City in conflict with any agreements established in the acquisition or management of the City Property; and 3.7.7 Make a direct or indirect reference to recent events or recently deceased individuals, except where the event or the individual had a legacy of significant contributions to the City of Toronto. Names of recent events or recently deceased individuals may be considered after two years. 3.8 Naming or renaming a City Property on behalf of an individual, event or organization requires the written consent of the named party or the named party’s representative. 3.8.1 In circumstances where consent has not been received, the City, in the absence of any refusal to provide consent or legal concerns, may approve the name if it is satisfied that reasonable efforts have been made to obtain consent. 3.9 Property Features within City Properties should only be assigned Wayfinding Names in order to maintain straightforward identification of, and navigation to and from, these amenities by the public. 3.10 The design and content of the signage for City Properties must comply with the City Corporate Identity Program and the physical location of the sign shall be at determined by the City. 3.11 A proposed name that does not meet all of the criteria listed in Sections 3.1 – 3.10 of this Policy requires City Council approval.

4. Naming New City Properties 4.1 The Division Head responsible for a new City Property will consult the Ward Councillor about potential Wayfinding Names during the Property Development and Capital Project Planning process. 4.2 Potential commemorative property names identified during the Property Development and Capital Project Planning process will be considered by Economic Development and Culture, in consultation with the Division responsible for the property, to determine alignment with the City's Guiding Principles for Commemoration. 4.3 At the completion of the Property Development and Capital Project Planning process, the Division Head responsible for a new City Property will assign a Wayfinding Name, unless Economic Development and Culture has confirmed a Commemorative Name that demonstrably meets all criteria in Section 3. 4.3.1 Economic Development and Culture will submit a Commemorative Name for approval by the relevant Community Council (or City Council if it affects more than one Community Council or, in the opinion of the City Manager, has City-wide Significance). 4.4 The Division Head responsible for a new City Property may also assign Wayfinding Names that meet the criteria in Section 3 of this Policy to Property Features within or on that property.

5. Renaming City Properties 5.1. A Division Head responsible for a property may update the existing Wayfinding Name of an existing City Property for safety or operational purposes. 5.2. The public may submit a proposal to rename a City Property that currently has a Wayfinding Name with a new Commemorative Name. The City will consider such proposals but is under no obligation to accept a proposed name. 5.3. Proposals to assign a new Commemorative Name to an existing City Property must be made using the City Property Naming Form and at minimum is to include: 5.3.1. The current name and address of the City Property; 5.3.2. The proposed Commemorative Name for the City Property; 5.3.3. The rationale for the proposed Commemorative Name and how the Commemorative Name aligns with the Guiding Principles for Commemoration; and 5.3.4. Documented support from the community, including but not limited to petitions and support letters. 5.4. Economic Development and Culture, working with the Division Head responsible for the property and other Divisions as appropriate, will review the proposal, consult with the Ward Councillor, and may conduct additional research and/or public consultations to determine public support for the proposal, if required. 5.5. Economic Development and Culture, working with the Division Head responsible for the property, will bring forward the proposed name(s) for consideration to the relevant Community Council, (or City Council if it affects more than one Community Council or has City-wide Significance).

6. Requests to Review Commemorative Property Names 6.1 The City will consider requests to review a Commemorative Name of a City Property where the name: 6.1.1 Refers to current or historic persons known for their discriminatory views and actions, including committing or perpetuating acts of racism or violence against Indigenous Peoples and Black communities, and/or equity-deserving groups; 6.1.2 Includes derogatory terms that might represent or be linked with discriminatory views and actions; 6.1.3 Negatively represents or appropriates the culture of Indigenous Peoples, Black communities, and/or equity-deserving groups; 6.1.4 Is inconsistent with City By-laws or policies including the City of Toronto Human Rights and Anti-Harassment / Discrimination Policy; and of 6.1.5 Brings the City of Toronto into disrepute. 6.2 Requests from the public to review the name of a City Property must be made using the City Property Name Review Form and at minimum is to include: 6.2.1 The name and address of the City Property; 6.2.2 Rationale for reviewing the property name based on criteria outlined in Section 6.1 of this Policy and the City’s Guiding Principles for Commemoration; and 6.2.3 Documented support from the community, including but not limited to petitions and support letters. 6.3 Economic Development and Culture, working with the Division Head responsible for the property and other Divisions as appropriate and in consultation with the Ward Councillor, will review the request and recommend one of the following responses: 6.3.1 Recommend to City Council that the City Property be renamed; 6.3.2 Install signage, plaques or other interpretive materials to provide information to the public about the cultural and/or historical context of the property name; 6.3.3 Conclude that no action is required; or 6.3.4 Identify another action supported by residents. 6.4 If required, Economic Development and Culture may request additional information from the applicant and/or conduct additional research and/or public consultations to determine the appropriate response to the request. 6.5 Authority to rename a City Property for any of the reasons outlined in Section 6.1 of this Policy must be sought from City Council.

City of Toronto Individual and Corporate Naming Rights Policy: 1. Statement

1.1 The City welcomes proposals for naming rights by encouraging individual and corporate giving while safeguarding against the undue commercialization of the public realm.

1.2 Granting the right to name a City of Toronto property to an external party provides a means of generating new revenues and alternative resources to assist in the construction, support and/or provision of City facilities and programs.

2. Objective and Purpose

2.1 The purpose of this policy is to establish a corporate and individual naming rights protocol that:

creates a systematic approach to soliciting, managing and reporting on naming rights;

provides guidance to those that have an interest in the naming of civic properties;

protects the reputation, integrity and aesthetic standards of the City of Toronto and its assets;

ensures alignment with the City’s programs and services; and

advances Council priorities and enhances public services.

3. Scope

3.1 This policy is not applicable to philanthropic contributions, gifts, or donations in which no benefits are granted to the third party and where no business relationship exists. Donations are governed by the City’s Donation’s Policy.

3.2 This policy applies only to naming rights, which represent but one class of sponsorship activity. Other forms of sponsorship (i.e. signage, sampling, etc.) are governed by a separate policy.

3.3 Only corporate and individual naming rights are covered by this policy. Honourific or commemorative naming and the process for naming/renaming City streets are covered in a separate policy.

3.4 For purposes of corporate consistency, this policy shall apply to all City divisions and to those agencies, boards and commissions (ABCs) which are by law subject to the policies of City Council by requiring that those ABCs adopt policies which are consistent with this policy. Approval of proposals would continue to be by the ABC or, if such authority is not delegated to the ABC, by City Council. All other ABCs are requested to adopt policies which are consistent with this policy. This policy shall not apply to boards of management for business improvement areas.

3.5 Naming rights arrangements that pre-date this policy are not subject to its terms.

3.6 Naming right proposals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

3.7 Certain City properties, such as City Hall, Community Council sites, Union Station and others, as determined by Council, are not available for naming rights proposals.

3.8 Any naming rights proposal which varies from the requirements of this policy shall be approved by Council

5. Priniciples

5.1 General

5.1.1 This policy repeals and supplants all existing in-force City policies and guidelines on the naming of civic properties, including the Naming and Renaming of Parks and Recreation Facilities Policy.

Properties with names of historic or community significance would be considered for renaming only in exceptional circumstances and only after consultation with the local councillor and the community. Such renamings require City Council approval.

5.1.2 The cost and impact of changing existing signage, rebuilding community recognition and updating records must be considered before a property is renamed.

5.1.3 Charitable tax receipts shall be issued only in accordance with the Income Tax Act and the policies of the Canada Revenue Agency.

5.1.4 The City shall retain ownership and control over any named property.

5.1.5 Subject to the agreement, the naming right must not impair in any way the City’s ability to manage the property.

5.1.6 The City will consider all naming rights proposals but does not have an obligation to accept any. The City reserves the right to refuse any proposal, including, but not limited to, those submitted by third parties whose activities are perceived by the recipient division to be incompatible with the City’s goals, values or mission.

5.1.7 Unsolicited naming offers are exempt from the Unsolicited Proposal Policy. Divisions are not required to seek out competing bids when the naming opportunity is initiated by a third party.

5.1.8 Unsolicited naming offers may only be recommended where, in the view of the recipient division, the benefits to the City are commensurate with the value of the naming right.

5.1.9 All naming right agreements shall be confirmed by written contract containing terms and conditions satisfactory to the recipient division, in consultation with the Legal Services Division.

5.1.10 All naming right agreements shall be reported and are subject to Council approval.

5.1.11 All funds generated by naming rights agreements shall be allocated to the division administering the named property. Subject to the agreement, the proceeds received may be applied to the property itself or designated for another use within the division. Revenues generated through naming rights shall not reduce the recipient division’s budget.

5.1.12 Every naming right agreement shall conform to all applicable federal and provincial statutes, and to all applicable City of Toronto bylaws, policies, contracts and practices, including the Lobbyist Register.

5.1.13 While the physical display of the naming right shall be negotiated or decided upon on an individual basis, such recognition must not unduly detract from the character, integrity, aesthetic quality or safety of the property or unreasonably interfere with its enjoyment or use.

5.1.14 The naming rights opportunity must not confer a personal benefit to any particular City employee or City official.

5.1.15 The City does not endorse the products, services, or ideas of any naming right holder.

5.1.16 At its sole discretion, the City reserves the right to terminate the naming right prior to the scheduled termination date, without refund of consideration, should it feel it is necessary to do so to avoid the City being brought into disrepute.

5.1.17 The sale of a naming right must not result in incremental net costs to the City.

5.2 Individual Naming Rights

5.2.1 All individual naming rights must be for a fixed term, not exceeding the useful life of the property. Every such agreement shall include a sunset clause specifying the duration of the naming opportunity. Individual naming rights may be subject to renewal on mutual agreement.

5.3 Corporate Naming Rights

5.3.1 Parties that are disqualified from doing business with the City are not eligible for naming right opportunities.

5.3.2 The benefits to the naming rights holder are limited to those expressly stated in the naming rights agreement.

5.3.3 No form of indemnification will be provided to any naming rights holder without the express approval of the Legal Services Division.

5.3.4 Naming rights may only be transferred or assigned by a naming rights holder with the consent of the City. Where a company changes its name, the naming rights may, with the consent of the City and at the expense of the naming rights holder, be modified to reflect the new name.

5.3.5 All corporate naming agreements must be for a fixed term, not exceeding the useful life of the property. Every corporate agreement shall have a sunset clause specifying the duration of the naming opportunity. Such agreements cannot be extended or automatically renewed without Council approval.

5.3.6 Naming rights holders are prohibited from implying that their products, services or ideas are sanctioned by the City.

5.3.7 The naming right must not result in, or be perceived to result in, any competitive advantage, benefit or preferential treatment for the naming rights holder, outside of the agreement.

5.3.8 There shall be no actual or implied obligation for the City to purchase the product or services of the naming rights holder.
Place Name Tools: Commemorative tree and bench naming application: https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/8eca-01-0100-Commemorative-Tree-and-Bench-Program-Request.pdf

Street Naming Application Form: https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/8ef8-street-naming-form.pdf
Policy Score: 100