POLICY STATEMENT

A documented procedure should be established for staff and Council to follow when selecting names for new facilities and parks.

Adopted by Council at its meeting held on November 10, 1998.

PURPOSE

To provide the criteria by which Council may make decisions regarding names for new facilities and parks.

PROCESS

a) Clerk’s Department is responsible to maintain a centralized depository of requests to honour people. Names may be proposed by members of the public, elected officials, and staff. Requests must be in writing to the Town Clerk, stating the reason(s) for honouring the person. The reason must be one listed in section (b) below.

b) Names for facilities and parks may be chosen for a variety of reasons:

· as approved by Council on July 7, 1998, to recognize those listed on the Markham War Veterans Honour Roll

· to reflect the geographic location, community or neighbourhood where it is located

· to recognize the historical significance of the area

· to reflect unique characteristics of the site

· to reflect the type of service or function offered

· to recognize a person who has made significant accomplishments or achievements at the local, provincial or national level

c) When a facility or park is to be named, the department responsible (Recreation Services for facilities and Environmental Services for parks) will access the centralized depository maintained by the Clerk’s Department. From this list and from the other criteria noted above, staff will submit one recommended name and one alternative for review and approval by Standing Committee and Council.

d) Existing names will not be changed without consideration of the historical significance of the existing names, the costs of changing signage, rebuilding community recognition, and updating records (databases, letterhead, promotional materials, etc.).

BACKGROUND

Inconsistencies have occurred when selecting names for new facilities and parks within the Town.