HomeMy Public PortalAboutOutdoor Public Space Naming PolicyPage 1 of 4
COUNCIL
POLICY Effective Date
Page 1 of 4
SECTION: Development Services
TITLE: Naming Policy – Outdoor Public Space
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this policy is to establish criteria for naming Town of Oliver’s
outdoor public spaces.
GUIDING PRINCIPLE:
The Town of Oliver values the natural and cultural heritage of its outdoor public
spaces. In keeping with these values, this policy will provide guidelines for the
naming that respects the natural environment and broader community interest in
the outdoor public space.
DEFINITION:
An outdoor public space is described as an outdoor space that is accessible to the
public, and includes green spaces such as parks, public squares or space used
for community gatherings, beaches, and trails.
NAMING CRITERIA:
1. That outdoor public spaces be given names that follow adjacent street
names, where the street names have been approved and established by
Oliver Council.
2. Where the adjacent street has already been used to name an Outdoor
Public Space or if the space is higher profile in nature, then a name will be
chosen to describe the neighborhood or the name of a community, sector,
unique geographical feature, or natural area.
3. Where the adjacent street name or name of the neighborhood, community
sector, unique geographical feature, or natural area have already been
used, the honouring of individuals may be used as long as there is a
significant community contribution by the individual (e.g. prominent
pioneers and settlers; Oliver residents who have achieved provincial or
federal prominence or acclaim in the fields of sports, education, politics,
Naming Policy – Outdoor Public Space
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medicine, etc.; or residents who have made a major contribution or
sacrifice for the welfare of the community or Canada.
4. Recognition of names commemorating a historic event or event of cultural
significance.
5. Existing outdoor public spaces that already have been named are not to
be renamed after an individual living or dead unless the proponent of the
name change demonstrates all of the following:
a. That the community supports the change (see Community support
criteria outlined in Section 8).
b. If the existing name of the outdoor space is after an individual, the
individual for whom the outdoor space has been named supports the
change if living or the next of kin if the individual is deceased
c. Information that the individual to be honoured has contributed in a
significant tangible way to the community.
6. The honouring of individuals by naming outdoor space features, or
sections, be considered if the individual significantly contributed to the
community (e.g. prominent pioneers and settlers; Oliver residents who
have achieved provincial or federal prominence or acclaim in fields such
as sports, education, politics, medicine, etc.; or residents who have made
a major contribution or sacrifice for the welfare or life of the community or
Canada).
7. Outdoor public spaces will not ordinarily be named after
social/ethnic/religious causes or groups unless authorization by Council
resolution.
PROCESSING OF REQUESTS:
8. All requests to honour individuals are to be submitted to the Corporate
Officer in writing. The Corporate Officer will forward the request to the
Development Services Department for their consideration. The proponent
must outline in their detailed submission how their request conforms to the
naming criteria for naming an outdoor public space after an individual and
their submission must be supported by:
a. A petition signed by a minimum of two-thirds of the owners of
property directly affected within 100 metres, if an outdoor public
space name change is being requested. Where there is joint
ownership of the property, only one signature per property is
permissible. The petition must be in the Town Council approved
format as per the attached.
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Community support to aid in strengthening an application can be defined as
follows:
• Evidence of broad support from the community to honour an individual
by naming a future outdoor public space after that individual
• Information that the person being honoured has contributed in a
significant tangle way to the community
• A letter from the Oliver & District Heritage Society stating their opinion
on historical significance of the individual to be honoured; if applicable.
9. Provide confirmation that the person being honoured is in agreement with
the outdoor public space to be named if they are living or by their next of
kin should they be deceased.
10. Provide the means (e.g. sign, plaque, etc) in which they wish to honour an
individual and that the necessary funding source is secured.
11. If the Development Services Department deems that the submission is in
accordance with policy, staff will recommend the naming of the outdoor
public space to Town Council for approval.
12. If the Development Services Department deems that the submission does
not fit with the policy, staff will notify the proponent in writing of its decision.
a. If the proponent is not satisfied with the decision, the proponent may
seek Town Council review for reconsideration.
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Naming Policy – Outdoor Public Space
Date Petition Submitted
WE, the undersigned, hereby petition the Town of Oliver
that the Outdoor Public Space described as:
Be re-named/named:
Contact Person Name Address Phone Number
Note:
Proponents must outline how their request conforms to Council’s criteria for naming an
Outdoor Public Space, refer to Council Policy.
Signature of
Petitioner
PRINT name
of Petitioner
Civic
Address of
Property
Date Signed Owner Tenant