(Report dated June 2, 1998, addressed to the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee, from the City
Clerk.)
Subject:Proposed Policy for Renaming of Parks
Recommendation:
The North York Community Council on May 27, 1998, recommended to the Community and
Neighbourhood Services Committee the adoption of the following report subject to the criteria proposed in
section (d) contained therein being amended to read as follows:
A(d)the agreement of local residents in close proximity to the park shall be secured by means of a mail
ballot over a defined area to be carried out by City staff;@
Background:
The North York Community Council had before it a report (May 19, 1998) from the Commissioner of Economic
Development, Culture and Tourism recommending that the policy proposed therein be approved, as follows:
(1)Parks should generally be named on the basis of either the street or geographic area which most appropriately
describes and identifies the location of the park.
(2)Where an exception is being considered and the naming of a park after an individual or group is being
recommended, the following criteria should apply.
a)the contributions of the individual or group must be well documented and broadly acknowledged within the
community;
b)the contribution of land or money by the individual or group for the acquisition of parkland should be deemed to
be substantial;
c)a direct relationship should exist between the place of residence/activity of an individual/group and the park
named;
d)the agreement of local residents in close proximity to the park shall be secured;
e)the agreement of the individual or next of kin in the case of deceased individuals, and of the duly elected senior
representatives, in the case of groups, shall be obtained; and
f)name duplication, similar surrounding or cumbersome names should be avoided. Names which may be
interpreted as an advertisement or being either discriminatory or connoting political affiliation must not be used.
Attachment
(Report dated May 19, 1998, addressed toNorth York Community Council, from Joe Halstead, Commissioner
Economic Development, Culture and Tourism.)
Subject:Proposed Policy for the Renaming of Parks
Purpose:
City Council, on March 4, 5 and 6, 1998, adopted a report from the Functional Lead for Parks and Recreation re the
renaming of Gary Park - Ward 6 - North York Humber. Council=s adoption of this report was predicated on Athe
North York Community Council having requested the Functional Lead for Parks and Recreation to submit a report
to the North York Community Council outlining the policy for the renaming of parks@.
This reports sets forth a City-wide policy for consideration.
Source of Funds:
There is no City funding required with respect to this policy.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1)the proposed policy for the renaming of parks contained herein be approved; and
(2)the appropriate City Officials take the necessary action to give effect thereto.
Background:
As previously noted, this report addresses a request from the North York Community Council to the then
Functional Lead for Parks and Recreation, to submit a report to the North York Community Council outlining the
policy for the renaming of parks in the new City of Toronto.
At present, there is no formal city-wide policy for the renaming of City parks. In summary, current regional
policies are as follows:
REGION |
POLICY |
EAST YORK |
No formal policy presently in place. |
ETOBICOKE |
Traditionally, parks were named after street frontings and geographic areas. Prior to
amalgamation, Etobicoke Council was to consider including parks in the existing policy of
selected parkettes, facilities, or buildings, being named after prominent Etobicoke citizens
and groups. |
METRO |
Policy is somewhat flexible. Priority is given to naming parks after major geographic
features, but consideration is given to individuals and groups. |
NORTH YORK |
Policy is somewhat flexible. Parks have been traditionally named after streets and
geographic areas. There are however any number of parks named after individuals. |
SCARBOROUGH
|
Policy has been to name/rename parks for geographic locations and not after individuals
with the one exception of Goodlad Park. |
TORONTO |
Policy recommends that park names should generally honour and commemorate persons,
places, events, or things which have made significant contributions to the City. Process
includes consultation with the Toronto Historical Board. |
YORK |
No formal policy presently in place. |
Discussion:
Generally, the naming of parks after the streets or geographic areas where they are located, enables residents to
readily locate these sites. It also provides an advantage to the City and its Parks and Recreation Division by
facilitating the promotion of its amenities and programs through the clear identification of specific locations.
This approach also avoids the disappointments and potential resentments against the City or between individuals or
groups in the community associated with approving some and not other petitions for the naming of parks. Political,
ethnic, racial or religious controversies may be inadvertently stirred by departing from this Aneutral@ approach.
On the other hand, the naming of a park after an individual can convey a powerful public expression of recognition
and appreciation for extraordinary contributions to the community. Where there is a broad public consensus
regarding this contribution, and where such dedications are rare rather than common, the potential negative impacts
of departing from the above can be minimized.
Acknowledging the variety and diversity of city parks and their associated cultures and geographics, flexibility in
the renaming of parks appears to be the most appropriate route. In this respect, the following policy is proposed.
CParks should generally be named on the basis of either the street or geographic area which most appropriately
describes and identifies the location of the park.
CWhere an exception is being considered and the naming of a park after an individual or group is being
recommended, the following criteria should apply.
- The contributions of the individual or group must be well documented and broadly acknowledged within the
community;
- The contribution of land or money by the individual or group for the acquisition of parkland should be deemed
to be substantial;
- A direct relationship should exist between the place of residence/activity of an individual/group and the park
named;
- The agreement of local residents in close proximity to the park shall be secured.
- The agreement of the individual or next of kin in the case of deceased individuals, and of the duly elected senior
representatives, in the case of groups, shall be obtained;
- Name duplication, similar surrounding or cumbersome names should be avoided. Names which may be
interpreted as an advertisement or being either discriminatory or connoting political affiliation must not be used.
Conclusions:
Parks throughout the City are varied and diverse and so are their cultures and geographics. Naming and renaming
of parks requires a policy which not only focuses on identifying parks by street names and geographic areas, but
also permits under certain circumstances the naming after individuals or groups. In this respect, the proposed
policy contained herein is recommended for approval.
Contact Name:
Gary W. Stoner
Deputy Commissioner
Parks and Recreation
Telephone: 395-6190Fax: 395-0105
E-mail:gwstoner@city.north-york.on.ca
|