This afternoon, Elliot Lake's By-law and Planning Committee will be presented with a staff report suggesting possible parameters for the city to consider for naming streets and public facilities. A similar staff report will later go to the Recreation and Culture Standing Committee tonight.
The issue has been controversial with protests from some councillors that the intent of naming or re-naming has been misinterpreted or misconstrued in some reports causing confusion which has lead to public backlash.
In particular, By-law Committee Chair Ed Pearce said he was concerned that members of two prominent families suggested for recognition so far could experience negative repercussions.
As he stated at the last virtual meeting on Feb. 1, referring to council, "They're not public figures. We are, they're not. So be very careful about that."
To give elected officials many things to consider, Elliot Lake's Special Projects Manager Steve Antunes has presented a lengthy written report on public naming issues that will go to a virtual meeting of the By-law Committee set for today at 4:30 p.m.
The report recommends that suggesting names of elected, staff and administrative city officials only be considered posthumously.
The report indicates that the initial draft has a few items that will require committee direction before presentation to council. These items include:
• Should this policy apply to just roads but as outlined in the draft, parks, trails, building and rooms within?
• Will there be fees associated? This policy suggests a fee with applications and ultimately with the renaming assets? What should the fee structure be?
• Frequency of review? The draft suggests review of naming applications bi-annually as opposed to having council address naming requests multiple times throughout the year.
• Should this policy include memorial items such as park benches or trees or should that be a separate policy?
• The draft outlines corporate sponsorship naming in regards to municipal buildings and rooms. Is a separate corporate sponsorship policy required?
• The policy provides for the creation of a name reserves list. Names that are not selected are placed on the list for future use. This can eliminate multiple applications by the same candidate.
• Should this be the case or should they re-apply? Staff awaits input from both committees to continue to refine the draft policy.
"The City of Elliot Lake is committed to providing a fair and consistent process to govern naming, renaming or dedication of municipal assets such as streets, parks, and facilities (while respecting the need for public consultation and legislative approvals)," the report reads.
"On occasion, Elliot Lake City Council may wish to acknowledge the activities and significant contributions of a person, persons or family, to the community through the naming of a municipal asset. Council also recognizes that, on a case-by-case basis, there may be benefits to naming and renaming.
"Municipal assets as part of a corporate partnership. This policy establishes criteria to name or rename Municipal Assets such as streets, parks, and facilities.
"The exhaustive naming report goes into great detail about why, how and when public naming could or should be considered.
"Applications specifically for street renaming must include documented support, including but not limited to petitions and support letters, from at least 75 per cent of property owners that abut the street," the report concludes. "Applications will be subject to a $50 application fee. Names should give a sense of place, continuity, belonging and celebrate the distinguishing characteristics and uniqueness of Elliot Lake."
The Rec and Culture Committee meeting will also be held virtually at 6:30 p.m. today.