Naming a Street or Park Policy

We believe there are simple solutions to address these concerns that allow for many of the goals of the Civic Naming Policy review to be achieved. They are:

Addressing the backlog of names:

• Selected new parks could be named for a maximum of 10 years, then the name would rotate on the list to the next name;
• Features in the park would be named;

Example, the playground, a bridge over a water feature and/or a kilometer of running trail;

• If a park was able to take on a theme, names associated with that theme could be used;

Example, a Fire Fighter themed spray pad could have an added feature like a permanent plaque to list the name of Fire Fighters from the backlog list; and

• Identify the current list of names that would no longer meet the new policy. If those names no longer provide a historic, cultural or demonstrate significant civic service then consider removing those names from the list, especially if there are no longer any easily known family ties to the community.

Indigenous naming:

• We support the concept of inclusion of Indigenous naming and feel it is a unique opportunity to make visible First Nations languages, history and presence. Naming 25% of streets and 50% of parks with indigenous names can create the opportunity to inspire people to learn a little more about the history of the land we are on and the people who have been here for a long time.
• In respect to the naming of roads, places and localities themes could be created around
  • Indigenous heritage and language;
  • Prior uses of the land and the people associated with it;
  • Local landscape and physical characteristics; and
  • Significant indigenous contributors that have demonstrated outstanding civic service.
• The Civic Naming Committee could then reach out to the Chiefs of all Bands that have land within the City of Regina or adjacent to the City of Regina, requesting that their community and elders provide the potential names and back up information to align with the suggest themes. Once those names are determined, The Community Developer should be able to pick from the list with no delay or review. If the name is on the list, it is acceptable.

Creating efficiency and clarity:

• The Civic Naming Committee should do their due diligence to ensure that the available names on the list meet the new guidelines and proportions. Once that name makes the list, there should be nothing else to decide. The Community Developer should be able to pick from the list with no delay or review. If the name is on the list, it is acceptable.
• To ensure transparency, remove bias and create better understanding for the Development Industry and City of Regina of the impacts and responsibilities of the Civic Naming Committee, two positions on the committee be created for industry representation.

Ensuring individual residential street names do not assimilate future negative attributes:

• Individual names for Streets with residential properties could be used when other themed names are no longer available or there is a connection to the theming. Parks, major roadways and public spaces could be.

Ensuring the public is aware of the Civic Naming Process and who is ultimately responsible for Civic Naming:

• Describe and map out the process on the City of Regina website;
• Include the names and positions of individuals assigned to the committee, like other Civic Committees that are appointed; and
• Ensure decisions to accept and reject names are captured and accessible to the public.

These recommendations would ensuring we protect local context while ensuring the process for Civic Naming can be clear, efficient and transparent.