New naming policy seeks to clear up confusion

Luke Edwards

Grant Haven Media

What’s in a name? Well, in Norfolk at least, there’s plenty of potential for confusion.

A new policy approved at the May 12 council-in-committee meeting seeks to end that confusion, as town staff are bringing together rules for similar but different naming conventions.

The new rules seek to clarify the purpose and process for naming, as well as the difference between commemorative naming and sponsorship.

“The purpose of the policy today is to ensure some clarity, consistency and fairness about the naming of public places and recognizing contributors in Norfolk County,” said Brian Geerts, director of Parks, Recreation and Culture.

Norfolk has had a sponsorship and naming rights policy since 2007, that did not include any formal policy for commemorative naming.

“Over time, this gap has resulted in confusion between commemorative recognition and sponsorship agreements, particularly where both involve signage, naming, or public recognition of individuals or organizations,” a staff report said.

The new policy contains criteria and process for commemorative naming, including suitability criteria. Council will also provide final approval for commemorative naming of major assets, with staff having approval authority over minor assets. And there are now “clear revocation provisions to address reputational risk or material changes associated with a namesake,” the report said.

Naming for roads and streets will remain outside this policy, as will objects like memorial benches, core services buildings like EMS buildings and libraries, and cemeteries.