Morinville Municipal Naming Policy
Policy Number: CP225/2022
Approval Date: September 27, 2022
Supersedes Policy: PED323/2020 Commemorative Naming
SECTION A
1.0 Policy Statement
The Town of Morinville is committed to providing a fair, consistent, and efficient process while
respecting the important need for public consultation and legislative approvals with respect to
Commemorative Naming, Heritage Naming, and Sponsorships and Naming Rights.
1.1 Commemorative Naming — Residents and surrounding community members may honour
or preserve the memory of special events, individuals, groups of individuals, and
community organizations through the dedication of a park bench or a tree.
1.2 Heritage Naming — On occasion, the Town of Morinville may wish to honour special
events or outstanding achievements, distinctive service, or significant community
contributions of an individual or group through naming a Town Asset such as streets,
parks, trails, and facilities or components thereof.
1.3 Sponsorships and Naming Rights — The Town of Morinville recognizes and supports
Sponsorship and Naming Rights as an alternative revenue generation strategy to offset
costs associated with the provision of municipal services. Sponsorship and Naming Rights
arrangements shall benefit both the Town and the Sponsor or Naming Rights Purchaser
with a final goal of generating revenue to enhance the experience of the users of the
Town program, event, activity, project, or Town Asset or to allow for the Town program,
event, activity, or a project to exist.
Mayor C
Town of Morinville Municipal Naming
Council Policy Policy #: CP225/2022
2.0 Policy Purpose
2.1 In General:
2.1.1 Streamline and outline the process of Municipal Naming; Commemorative
Naming, Heritage Naming, and Sponsorship and Naming Rights.
2.1.2 Provide naming guidelines and criteria that reflect Morinville’s heritage; and to
recognize both the engineered and natural features of the community.
2.1.3 Provide corporate guidelines based on best practices.
2.1.4 Uphold the Town’s stewardship role with respect to Town Assets and interests.
2.1.5 Establish a Names Reserve List.
2.1.6 The policy protects from the risk of losing revenue associated with
sponsorships as well as naming assets for controversial figures.
3.0 Definitions
All definitions include the plural form of the terms.
3.1 “Administration” means the administration of the Town.
3.2 “Advertising” means a contractual arrangement for a defined period of time where a
third party provides a financial contribution in return for rights to place a single message
on a medium (e.g., billboard, transit shelter, etc.) where the content is controlled by the
third party and approved by the Town for certainty, an Advertising arrangement does not
provide the third party with further substantive rights such as in Naming Rights or
Sponsorship arrangements.
3.3 “Applicant” means the Town department, non-profit tenant of a Morinville-owned
facility, citizen, group of citizens, entity or organization which makes a formal request to
Morinville via the CAO for the Municipal Naming to all or a portion of a Town Asset.
3.4 “CAO” means the Chief Administrative Officer of Morinville, appointed by Council, or the
Director(s) of Department(s) designated by the Chief Administrative Officer.
3.5 “Commemorative Bench” means a park bench that is installed, owned, and maintained
by the Town and approved for inclusion in the community Commemorative Naming
program.
3.6 “Commemorative Naming” means honoring or preserving the memory of special events,
individuals (living or deceased), groups of individuals, and community organizations.
3.7 “Commemorative Plaque” means a cast bronze tablet provided by an applicant.
Mayor 0
Town of Morinville Municipal Naming
Council Policy Policy #: CP225/2022
3.8 “Commemorative Tree” means a tree purchased and installed by the Town on behalf of
an applicant.
3.9 “Council” means the duly elected officers of Morinville and the Chief Elected Officer or
Mayor.
3.10 “District” means a collection of neigh bourhoods that are determined by the CAO to
comprise a district.
3.11 “Facility” means any property, complex, structure, or building (interior or exterior) owned
or controlled by Morinville.
3.12 “Facility Amenities” means all public spaces within a municipal building, structure or area
of land owned by the Town, including all interior and exterior facility components. This
could be rooms within facilities such as meeting rooms, common areas, bleachers,
concession areas, or components thereof.
3.13 “Fees” means the amounts paid to the Town as specified in the Fees and Charges Bylaw.
3.14 “Heritage” means tangible culture (such as buildings, monuments and artifacts) and
intangible culture (such as traditions, language and person(s)) that has a shared
significance connected to the past.
3.15 “Naming Rights” means a contractual arrangement for a defined term where a third party
(i.e., community organization or individual) provides goods, services or financial
contribution in return for access to the commercial/marketing potential associated with
rights for the inclusion and public display of the third party’s name as part of the name of
a Town Asset.
3.16 “Naming Rights Purchaser” means third party who purchasing Naming Rights for a Town
Asset.
3.17 “Neighbourhood” means primarily residential geographic sub-area within the Town of a
size where social connections and face-to-face interactions are likely.
3.18 “Park” and “Trail” means any area of land under the direction and control of the Town
used for active or passive recreational activities. Includes all Park and Trail features (KM
markets, trail signs, etc.).
3.19 “Sponsor” means third party who provides sponsorship.
Town of Morinville Municipal Naming
Council Policy Policy #: CP225/2022
3.20 “Sponsorship” means a contractual arrangement for a defined term where a third party
provides goods, services or financial contribution in return for access to the
commercial/marketing potential associated with rights to be publicly denoted as being a
sponsor of a Town service, program, event, activity or sub-component of a Town Asset
and/or rights for the inclusion and public display of the third party’s name as part of the
name of a Town service, program, event, activity or sub-component of a Town Asset.
3.21 “Term” means the duration of the Commemorative Naming, Heritage Naming, and/or
Sponsorship and Naming Rights period as set by this policy and Council approval.
3.22 “Town Asset” means an item, object, thing (including a service, program, event, or
activity) or real estate property (Facilities and Facility Amenities) owned by the Town.
3.23 “Town” means the municipal corporation of the Town of Morinville.
4.0 Renaming Town Assets:
4.1 Notwithstanding the above, the Town recognizes that, on a case-by-case basis, there may
be benefits to renaming Town Assets at its sole discretion and at the expiry of
Sponsorship and Naming Rights.
4.1.1 This Municipal Naming Policy does not pertain to naming of Neighbourhoods and
Districts, however, on a case-by-case basis, there may be benefits to renaming
Neighbourhoods and Districts at the sole discretion of the Town.
4.2 Proposals to rename existing Town Assets will only be considered in exceptional
circumstances. Existing names will not be changed without consideration of:
4.2.1 the historical significance of existing naming.
4.2.2 the impact on the individual or organization associated with the existing name.
4.2.3 the cost and impact of changing existing signage, rebuilding community
recognition, and updating records.
4.2.4 consistency with the mission, vision, or values of Morinville.
PART 1— Commemorative Naming
5.0 Commemorative Naming Scope:
5.1 Commemorative Benches with plaques
5.2 Commemorative Trees with plaques
Mayor CA
Town of Morinville Municipal Naming
Council Policy Policy #: CP225/2022
6.0 Commemorative Naming Requirements
6.1 General:
6.1.1 The Town reserves the right to refuse any application to commemorate any
individual, event, or groups and organizations deemed not to align with the
values of the Town of Morinville.
6.1.2 At no time will the Town display text deemed to be inappropriate in nature, or
supporting discrimination, prejudice, or violence.
6.1.3 Commemorative Naming will be a 10-year term.
6.1.4 Applicants will have 90 days at conclusion of the term to renew their term for
Commemorative Naming. Renewal applications follow the same process as new
applications.
6.1.5 Fees established for the implementation of a Commemorative Naming
arrangement and/or renewal of terms shall be set at an amount that recovers all
costs associated with implementation of the commemoration.
6.1.6 Applications for Commemorative Naming shall include:
6.1.6.1 a proof of the plaque, including text, that meets the requirements set
out in Naming Requirements.
6.1.6.2 a list three potential site locations of an existing park bench which the
Applicant wishes to use as a Commemorative Bench, or,
6.1.6.3 choice of a preferred tree species from available selection
determined by the Administration.
6.1.6.4 full payment to the Town of Morinville of any required fees.
6.1.7 Where appropriate, written consent from the individual, group or organization
being named, or their legal representative prior to consideration.
6.2 Requirements for Commemorative Naming of Park Benches:
6.2.1 The number of approved Applicants for Commemoratives Benches will be
limited to the number of park benches available for use in the program at any
time.
Mayor C
Town of Morinville Municipal Naming
Council Policy Policy #: CP225/2022
6.2.2 Administration will assist Applicants to locate an available bench should their
preferred location be unavailable.
6.2.3 Commemorative Benches will remain the property of the Town.
6.2.4 The Town will endeavor to maintain all Commemorative Benches at their original
locations but reserves the right to re-locate any Commemorative Benches if
required for any reason.
6.2.5 In the event a Commemorative Bench is no longer serviceable before end of
term, the Town will provide a replacement bench and re-install the plaque on
the replacement bench. Repair and Replacement, as well as life-cycle
replacement, will be completed as Town resources and budgets allow.
6.3 Requirements for Commemorative Naming of Trees:
6.3.1 Commemorative Trees shall only be newly planted trees. Tree planting will take
place no more than twice annually, in the Spring and the Fall.
6.3.2 Only the Administration are permitted to plant trees under this policy.
6.3.3 Administration will consult with Applicants to locate a specific planting location
for trees within a pre-defined area(s).
6.3.4 The Town reserves the right to determine which tree species or varieties may be
used as Commemorative Trees.
6.3.5 Once planted, Commemorative Trees become the property of the Town.
6.3.6 The Town will maintain trees installed under this program as required and will
replace individual trees that are removed due to disease, death, or other
reasons. Repair and Replacement, as well as life-cycle replacement, will be
completed as Town resources and budgets allow.
6.4 Requirements for Commemorative Plaques:
6.4.1 Images are not permitted on plaques.
6.4.2 A Commemorative Bench or Tree may have a maximum of one Commemorative
Plaque affixed at one time.
Mayor CA
Town of Morinville Municipal Naming
Council Policy Policy #: CP225/2022
6.4.3 Commemorative Plaques on Commemorative Benches and Trees will remain the
property of the Applicant and, when applicable, plaques will be returned to the
Applicant at the conclusion of the term, where the Applicant has provided
accurate contact information and has advised the Town of any changes to their
contact information during the term.
6.4.4 Should the Town determine a Commemorative Plaque is no longer serviceable
before end of term, the Town will return the plaque to the Applicant who may
choose to supply a replacement plaque for installation.
6.4.5 Where a Commemorative Plaque is removed due to damage and the Town is
unsuccessful in contacting an Applicant within 180 days, the Applicant will be
deemed to have forfeited any remaining term.
6.4.6 Should an Applicant request to withdraw from the agreement prior to the end of
the term or at any other time, the Commemorative Plaque will be removed and
returned to the Applicant and no refund will be owed to the Applicant.
6.4.7 The Town assumes no responsibility or claims or damages resulting from errors
in layout, formatting, or design, including but not limited to errors in wording,
spelling, or other inaccuracies related to inscribed information that has been
approved by the Applicant.
6.4.8 The Town will not be held responsible or liable for the theft, damage or
vandalism of any supplied Commemorative Plaques but will endeavor to remove
superficial vandalism, such as graffiti, to the best extent possible.
6.4.9 Only Town staff are permitted to affix and/or remove Commemorative Plaques
from Commemorative Benches and Trees.
6.4.10 For Commemorative Benches and Trees, the cast bronze plaque will meet the
specifications outlined by the Administration.
PART 2— Heritage Naming
7.0 Heritage Naming Scope:
7.1 Town Assets:
7.1.1 Roads
7.1.2 Facilities and Facility Amenities
7.1.3 Parks and Trails (including park and trail features)
Mayor CAO
Town of Morinville Municipal Naming
Council Policy Policy #: CP225/2022
8.0 Heritage Naming Requirements
8.1 General:
8.1.1 Names selected for Heritage Naming and Renaming must be drawn from the
Names Reserve List.
8.1.2 Heritage Names selected for the Names Reserve List must have at least one of
the following criteria:
8.1.2.1 The person(s) may have historical significance to Morinville and its
development.
8.1.2.2 The person (s) may have historical significance to the communities
surrounding Morinville, including Alexander First Nation and
Canadian Forces Base Edmonton.
8.1.2.3 The person(s) may have demonstrated excellence, courage, or
exceptional service to Morinville, the Province of Alberta, or to
Canada.
8.1.2.4 The person(s) may have achievements that were extraordinary in the
scholastic, professional, or public service arenas.
8.1.2.5 The person(s) may have an extraordinary community service record
such as volunteering or provide extraordinary help or care to
individuals, families, or groups, or supported community services or
humanitarian causes.
8.1.2.6 The person(s) may have risked their life in extraordinary
circumstances, or given his/her life to save or protect others
8.1.3 Other Heritage Naming Guidelines:
8.1.3.1 Person(s) may be alive or deceased.
8.1.3.2 Person(s), or members of their family lineage, need not be current
residents of Morinville.
8.1.3.3 The contributions of the individuals or group must be well
documented and broadly acknowledged within the community.
8.1.4 Heritage Naming which reflects or implies a reference to any of the following will
not be eligible for the Names Reserve List:
8.1.4.1 Elected officials currently in office.
8.1.4.2 Heritage Names which do not meet the criteria outlined in this Policy.
8.1.4.3 Heritage Names which are inconsistent with the mission, vision or
values of Morinville.
Mayor CA,6/
Town of Morinville Municipal Naming
Council Policy Policy #: CP225/2022
8.1.5 Where appropriate, written consent from the individual, group or organization
being named, or their legal representative prior to consideration.
8.1.6 Names should not be divisive in nature. When an individual or group is identified
by a name, best efforts should be taken to ensure that the name is not seen as
linked with discrimination, oppression, and systemic racism nor in violation of
community standards as they exist today. Names that are otherwise offensive,
misleading, or ineffective are also not permitted.
8.1.7 Proposed Town Asset names shall be distinct from names Town Assets of similar
nature used elsewhere in Morinville. Similar sounding names shall be avoided
due to confusion it may create for citizens or emergency services. Duplicated or
similar sounding names within the boundaries of deployment of regional
emergency services shall be avoided.
8.1.8 Associated fees will be established to cover administrative time and related costs
for processing and discourage frivolous applications.
8.1.9 Council will approve the costs of Heritage Naming Town Assets on a case-by-case
basis based on budgetary and operational impacts.
8.2 Requirements for Heritage Naming of Public Roadways:
8.2.1 Arterial roadways shall be named after historically significant individuals and/or
historically significant cultural groups, including indigenous people and groups in
accordance with section 8.1.1 above.
8.2.2 Public roadways shall either be numbered or named after historically significant
individuals/events or their geographic locations.
8.2.3 Heritage Naming shall occur externally from the conventional naming process for
Roads approved at the discretion of the subdivision authority. Refer to Schedule
A — Conventional Naming Requirements of Roads
8.3 Requirements for Heritage Naming of Town Facilities and Facility Amenities:
8.3.1 The proposed Town Facility or Facility Amenity names should either reflect
Morinville’s Heritage or local geographic feature(s), including engineered and
natural features, and/or further a sense of community.
Mayor CA
Town of Morinville Municipal Naming
Council Policy Policy #: CP225/2022
8.3.2 General municipal facilities shall be named according to the facility’s function,
i.e., Town Office or Civic Hall.
8.4 Requirements for Heritage Naming of Parks and Trails:
8.4.1 The proposed Park and Trail name should either reflect Morinville’s Heritage or
local geographic feature(s), including engineered and natural features, and/or
further a sense of community.
8.4.2 Heritage Naming shall occur externally from the conventional naming process for
Parks and Trails approved at the discretion of the subdivision authority. Refer to
Schedule B — Conventional Naming Requirements of Parks and Trails
PART 3 — Sponsored Naming Rights
9.0 Sponsorship & Naming Rights Scope:
9.1 Town Assets:
9.1.1 Facilities and Facility Amenities
9.1.2 Parks and Trails (including park and trail features)
9.2 Other Town Assets:
9.2.1 Town service, program, event, activity, or sub-component of a Town Asset.
10.0 Sponsorships & Naming Rights Requirements
10.1 In General:
10.1.1 The Town shall only enter into agreements with Sponsors and Naming Rights
purchasers who align to the Town’s priorities and policies, including the
Corporate Sponsorship and Community Partnership Policy.
10.1.2 All Sponsorships and Naming Rights (including Sponsorship and Naming Rights
components associated with signage, branding, publicity, and advertising) shall
adhere to all applicable Town bylaws and policies and all applicable provincial
and federal legislation.
10.1.3 Administration is responsible for operation of this policy, ensuring staff
understand the requirements of this policy and that they are provided with
appropriate guidance and training related to Sponsorship and Naming Rights
practices.
Mayor CAO/
Town of Morinville Municipal Naming
Council Policy Policy #: CP225/2022
10.1.4 Solicitation and negotiation of Sponsorships and Naming Rights shall be
conducted by Administration or through external contacts that are specifically
appointed by the Administration. All Sponsorship and Naming Rights agreements
shall be negotiated in good faith and represent the Town in a professional
manner.
10.1.5 The Administration and Council reserves the right to decline any applications at
their discretion.
10.2 Requirements for Sponsorships Secured by the Town:
10.2.1 Sponsors provide goods, services, or financial contribution in return for inclusion
and public display of Sponsor’s name as part of the Town service, program,
event, activity, or sub-component of a Town Asset.
10.2.2 Sponsorship agreements between the Town and the Sponsor shall, as a
minimum:
10.2.2.1 Be in writing.
10.2.2.2 Outline the Sponsorship contribution to be received by the Town and
the benefits to be received by the Sponsor in return.
10.2.2.3 Outline the term (duration) of the agreement.
10.2.2.4 Be signed by an authorized representative(s) of both the Town and
the Sponsor.
10.3 Requirements for Naming Rights of Town Assets:
10.3.1 Naming Rights Purchaser provides goods, services, or financial contribution in
return for inclusion and public display of the third party’s name as part of the
name of a Town Asset such as Parks and Trails, and Facilities and Facility
Amenities.
10.3.2 The name of a Town Asset that can be confused with other Town Assets of
similar nature shall include a Community name or geographic indicator. The
name shall consider community and/or historical significance and/or advise of
the purpose of the Town Asset.
10.3.3 All costs associated with the implementation of a Naming Rights arrangement
shall be covered by the revenue generated from such sale and not from the
Town’s annual operating budget.
Mayor CAO
Town of Morinville Municipal Naming
Council Policy Policy #: CP225/2022
10.3.4 Proceeds received by the Town for Naming Rights, unless designated by the
donor of the proceeds, shall be applied to general revenue.
10.3.5 Naming Rights agreements between the Town and the Naming Rights Purchaser
shall, as a minimum:
10.3.5.1 Be in writing.
10.3.5.2 Outline the Naming Rights contribution to be received by the Town
and the benefits to be received by the Naming Rights purchaser in
return.
10.3.5.3 Outline the term (duration) of the agreement.
10.3.5.4 Not relinquish to the Naming Rights purchaser any of the Town’s
rights to manage and control the Town Asset.
10.3.5.5 Be signed by an authorized representative(s) of both the Town and
the Naming Rights purchaser.
11.0 Review of Policy
11.1 For the purpose of ensuring this Policy is reviewed for ongoing relevancy and necessity,
with the option that it may be repassed in its present or an amended form following a
review, this policy should be reviewed by December 31, 2025.
11.2 This policy shall remain in effect if the review date passes prior to formal review.
Mayor CA
Town of Morinville Municipal Naming
Council Policy Policy #: CP225/2022
SECTION B
1.0 Reference to Policy and Legislation
Corporate Sponsorship and Community Partnership Policy
Fees and Charges Bylaw
Numbering of Streets, Parcels, and Buildings Bylaw
2.0 Persons Affected
Community Partners
Corporate Sponsors
Residents of the Morinville Region
Town of Morinville Administration
Visitors to Morinville
3.0 Divisional/Departmental Responsibility
Administrative Services
Communications & Legislative Services
Planning and Economic Development
Community & Infrastructure Services
Infrastructure Services
Community Services
4.0 Review/Revision History and Author
New Policy -September, 2022
Simon Boersma
Mayor
Interim Officer
Town of Morinville Municipal Naming
Council Policy Policy #: CP225/2022
SCHEDULE A — Conventional Naming Requirements of Roads
1.0 Residential roadways within Neighbourhoods shall either be numbered or named. Roadway
names should meet at least one of the following naming requirements:
1.1 Follow a theme, preferably connected to the Neighbourhood name.
1.2 Reflect local geographic feature(s), including both the engineered and natural features
of the Neighbourhood.
1.3 Reflect Neighbourhood/Morinville Heritage.
2.0 Naming of roadways using a defined theme shall be permitted if the proposed names meet the
following requirements:
2.1 Themes must be simple and commonly understood.
2.2 Where words used within a theme are not easily recognized as being associated with the
theme, prefixes may be used (e.g., Lake Bonavista, Lake Lucerne, Lake Tahoe, Lake
Wasa, etc.).
3.0 Wherever possible, there should be only one name along a roadway’s entire length to avoid
driver confusion and due to directional signage requirements.
4.0 Prefixes within roadway names are generally not permitted, unless integral for theme naming.
5.0 Abbreviations within roadway names are not permitted.
6.0 Names containing special characters (non-alphabetic and non-numeric characters), with the
exception of a hyphen, are not permitted.
7.0 Roadway names (not including a roadway type or quadrant identifier) shall not exceed 14
characters in length. Every number, letter, hyphen or space used in a roadway name shall be
counted as one character in the 14-characters limit (e.g., 100 Lake Erie Place (13 characters), 16A
Street SE (3 characters), Beny-Sur-Mer Road (12 characters)).
8.0 The re-use of former street names should be discouraged because of the confusion this causes in
property records management.
9.0 Dual naming of roadways is not normally permitted. However, secondary names may be used on
signage in cases of historical, Heritage or community value at the direction of Council.
10.0 Roadway names consisting of only alphabetic designations are not permitted (e.g., “A Street”, “M
Street”, etc.).
Mayor CA
Town of Morinville Municipal Naming
Council Policy Policy #: CP225/2022
11.0 Numbered roadways oriented in a predominantly north/south fashion shall be assigned a
roadway type “Street” only and numbered east/west roadways shall have the roadway type
“Avenue” only. Roadway types “Street” and “Avenue” may also be used with named roadways.
The Administration shall try, wherever possible, to apply roadway type “Street” to north/south
roadways (named or numbered) and “Avenue” to east/west roadways (named or numbered).
12.0 Where a roadway deviates from its theoretical grid alignment, the roadway shall be named, as
opposed to being numbered, commencing with a major intersection.
13.0 Roadways within new Communities shall be numbered only if a roadway traverses a significant
and meaningful distance along specified alignments with minimal deviations and the roadway
intersects with major roadways or other numbered roadways.
14.0 Roadways shall utilize valid roadway types maintained by the Administration’s division
responsible for addressing in order to:
14.1 Reflect the hierarchy, topography, and configuration of roadways; and
14.2 Enable one roadway name to be used for several roadways, thus reducing the number
of roadway names required for new Communities.
15.0 Cul-de-sac roadway types are to be used solely for non-through roadways:
15.1 Where appropriate, all culs-de-sac accessible from the same through roadway shall
share the same name as the through roadway.
15.2 Generally, where a through roadway terminates across an intersection and into a cul
de-sac, the roadway type of the cul-de-sac shall be different from the roadway type of
the through roadway.
16.0 Roadway types “Way” and “Bay” shall not be used with the same roadway name (e.g., “Marquis
Way” and “Marquis Bay”).
17.0 Words used as roadway types (e.g., “Green”, “Park”, “View”, etc.) shall not be permitted for use
in compound names selected as roadway names (e.g., Coventry Park Drive, Skyview View).
ayor AO
Town of Morinville Municipal Naming
Council Policy Policy #: CP225/2022
SCHEDULE B — Conventional Naming Requirements of Parks and Trails
1.0 Abbreviations in Park and Trail names are not permitted.
2.0 Names containing a hyphen or apostrophe are acceptable. Approved names of this type are also
considered legitimate if spelled without the hyphen or apostrophe.
3.0 The descriptive word “Park” shall be assigned to the name of the park.
4.0 The descriptive word “Trail” or “Path” shall be assigned to the name of a trail.
