A screenshot of city council's Zoom meeting Tuesday. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW staff)

By Angela Brown

Inspired by Indigenous culture

City looks at renaming Railway Avenue West

Oct 13, 2021 | 6:00 AM

Railway Avenue West may have a new Indigenous-inspired name in the future.

At its meeting Tuesday, North Battleford council approved a resolution for a Street and Neighbourhood Naming Policy, and for city administration to proceed with public notice for renaming West Railway Avenue.

The issue was previously raised when local Métis resident Marilyn Richardson asked to have the separate Railway avenues renamed both to reflect Indigenous culture, and to help clear up confusion about the location of these roads. City council directed administration to investigate the matter to look at some possible options.

Corporate Services Director Jennifer Niesink presented the report at this week’s meeting on behalf of Assistant Director of Corporate Services Ryan Mackrell.

The new Street And Neighbourhood Naming Policy proposed indicated an approval process for applications to rename streets, which includes public notice to stakeholders and the requirement of a council resolution for approval.

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Niesink said administration looked at the possibility of renaming two streets – West Railway Avenue and South Railway Avenue.

Administration proposed renaming West Railway Avenue since it would have the least impact to properties. There are only two property owners, that have addresses (agricultural parcels) on West Railway Avenue. Eight street signs would need to be changed.

The cost to the city to change the name is estimated at about $3,000.

As a result, council agreed to have the city consult with an Indigenous group of Elders about a new name for West Railway Avenue. The city will also provide the group with the names proposed by Richardson in her original request.

Through the process, the Elders group will select a name which will come back to council for approval. The next step would be for the proposal to rename the road with the new given name proceed through the public engagement process.

Niesink recommended beginning the initiative early in 2022.

“It’s just not something administration can do adequately right now, but we would be happy to start that conversation in the new year,” she said.

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW