Proposed Policy for Renaming of Parks

The Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee recommends the adoption of the recommendation of the North York Community Council embodied in the following communication (June 2, 1998) from the City Clerk, subject to:

(i) amending the criteria in section 2(d) by deleting the words "a mail ballot" and inserting in lieu thereof the words "consultation with the community", so that such criteria reads as follows:

"(d) the agreement of local residents in close proximity to the park shall be secured by means of consultation with the community over a defined area to be carried out by City staff;"; and

(ii) adding the following new criteria as 2(g):

"(g) existing parks named after individuals shall not be altered or changed.";

and further that deputations be heard at Community Councils when matters relating to renaming of parks appear on their agenda:

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:

"(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.

(Report dated May 19, 1998, addressed to the

North York Community Council, from the

Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism)

Purpose:

City Council, on March 4, 5 and 6, 1998, adopted a report from the Functional Lead for Parks and Recreation regarding the renaming of Gary Park - Ward 6 - North York Humber. Council's adoption of this report was predicated on "the 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:

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 "neutral" 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:

- 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.

- 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.

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

Tel: 395-6190/Fax: 395-0105

E-mail:gwstoner@city.north-york.on.ca