If you want to name a Bradford West Gwillimbury park after someone, there could soon be an official town policy in place for doing that.
The town’s Committee of the Whole, which is made up of council members, voted Tuesday evening to move forward with a Park, Facility or Property Naming policy.
Mayor Rob Keffer said he has had families ask him about how to municipally recognize their loved ones, and this new policy would provide an application form for residents to submit their ideas to the town.
“This is an opportunity for the family name to be recognized. It’s a great way to be able to remember the contributions of families in the community,” he said.
At Tuesday’s meeting, council members did not voice any problems with the draft policy, except Coun. Gary Baynes suggested changing some wording to not just include honouring individuals but entire families.
The policy also includes how larger groups can apply and pay to name properties.
According to the draft policy, some of the name selection criteria includes:
- What is the name’s relationship to the park, facility or property?
- Does it reflect the location?
- Does it recognize the historical and cultural significance of the area?
As well, when selecting a name, town staff will consider:
- Whether the naming opportunity enhances the town’s image
- Whether the opportunity considers and reflects existing arrangements
- Whether the sponsor is in good standing with the town
As for restrictions, proposed names will not be considered if they come from groups related to alcohol, tobacco or weapons, if they have a specific religious message, and if their reputation could be detrimental to the town’s public image, according to a staff report.
The last time the town formally accepted recommendations for naming parks and facilities was in 1990, and it resulted in several new names, including Harmon Park, Fuller Heights Park, Taylor Park, Fallis Field, Evans Field, Davey Lookout, Cericola Field and Reeves Field, according to the report.
Since then, naming has been done as needed, resulting in a variety of other names, such as The Bob Fallis Sports Centre, Bud Brown Park, Alan Kuzmich Park, Joe Magani Park, Henderson Memorial Park, and Ron Simpson Memorial Park.
The latter, named after a former councillor, was selected last August for the former Dreamfields Park at 251 Crossland Blvd., and the sign is expected to be installed soon, town staff told council Tuesday.
Council will have a final vote on the naming policy at a later date.
