Corporate Report. This report addresses this first item; Report PRCS addresses the second item.

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1 Corporate Report Report from Parks, Recreation and Culture Services, Business Planning and Strategic Services Date of Report: August 8, 2017 Date of Meeting: September 11, 2017 Report Number: PRCS File: , Subject: Naming Policy Parks, Trails and Recreation Facilities Recommendation That Council approve the Naming Policy Parks, Trails and Recreation Facilities, attached as Appendix 2, to replace the Policy and Procedure for the Naming of City Parks, Arenas and Facilities, attached as Appendix 1. FORTHWITH Summary This report proposes an updated policy and procedure for the naming of City parks, trails and recreation facilities that would replace the policy and procedure approved in 2004 (Appendix 1). Staff feel the proposed policy establishes a transparent, efficient and equitable approach to naming and ensures proper circulation and involvement of City departments, external agencies and the public. The proposed policy has been reviewed and supported by the Heritage Advisory Committee. Background At its meeting on July 6, 2015, Council approved the following motion made by Councillor Stevens: That staff be directed to review the process for the naming rights of parks and buildings in the community and report back to Council. Staff have prepared two reports and proposed policies to most appropriately address each of the following aspects of this motion: 1. The process to name parks, trails and recreation facilities; and 2. The naming rights and sponsorship of City facilities. This report addresses this first item; Report PRCS addresses the second item. The current policy and procedure for the naming of City parks, arenas and facilities was approved by Council on February 2, 2004 (Appendix 1). This report proposes an updated policy and was prepared through a review of feedback received through previous namings and policies for all municipal comparators except Barrie and Waterloo (these policies were unavailable), as well as Hamilton, Ottawa, Carleton Place, and Toronto. Report Page 1 of 5

2 The proposed policy was reviewed by the Heritage Advisory Committee on March 10, 2016; the committee passed the following motion: That the SCHAC supports the proposed (Draft) Naming Policy in principle with recommendation provided. The committee s recommendation was that consideration should be given to maintaining living persons on the List of Significant Individuals. Following this recommendation staff revised the proposed policy to allow parks, trails, and recreation facilities to be named after living persons, if that person is on the List of Significant Individuals and to maintain the review of naming for sponsorship. Naming policies are not related to one of the recommendations or guiding principles of the Recreation Facility and Programming Master Plan, and as such was not reviewed by the Recreation Master Plan Advisory Committee. Report The proposed policy is provided as Appendix 2; this report outlines the differences between the current and proposed policies. Scope The current policy applies to parks, arenas and recreation facilities which is very similar to the proposed policy which would apply to parks, trails, recreation facilities (arenas are considered a recreation facility), and amenities within parks, trails and recreation facilities. Criteria The current policy lists the following criteria, in priority order: 1. Geographic location 2. Site history 3. Natural features 4. A person (non-living) 5. Sponsorship (this item may take precedence over other suggested names) The proposed policy combines geographic location and natural features (location and features) and assigns these types of names the same level of priority as site history (civic or historical significance). Under the proposed policy, names can be in recognition of significant individuals, families, organizations and foundations, and with the exception of public official and staff nominations do not need to be made once deceased. Process The majority of the proposed changes relate to process; these changes are outlined below and are intended to provide clarity to staff, Council and the public about the steps involved in reviewing a naming request: Report Page 2 of 5

3 Application The proposed policy will require the submission of an application form (provided by the City) that establishes the minimum information that must be provided to submit a naming request. An application will not be required when the process is initiated by the City. Some municipalities review all names at a set time of the year (e.g. all requests are received in September and reported to Council in February the following year). These municipalities tend to process a large number of name requests annually and staff are of the opinion that the volume of name requests received in St. Catharines does not necessitate limiting the review to once per year. As such, staff will continue to respond to requests as they are received, and will report to Council if any changes are recommended. Council initiation The proposed policy requires Council direction before initiating the public consultation component of the naming process. Public consultation is time consuming for both staff and the public that get involved in the process and can take staff resources away from other assigned or priority duties. As such, public consultation should only be undertaken if Council is serious about considering a new name for the asset. Internal review Parks Recreation and Culture Services (PRCS) staff will review all applications for adherence to the approved policy and circulate other internal departments. For example, staff from the St. Catharines Museum may research the history of an existing name while Fire and Emergency Management Services will comment on whether a name will cause confusion for emergency responders. This step remains unchanged from current practice with the exception that this work will now only occur after Council has initiated the process. Opportunity to submit alternative names Under the current policy the public often suggests alternative names for consideration during consultation and there is no opportunity for these alternatives to be vetted through the public process. In order to address this gap the proposed policy includes a call for name submissions once the naming process is initiated by Council. This will provide the public with an opportunity to submit alternative names which would be included in the evaluation process and considered in the final report to Council. Public consultation The current policy provides an opportunity for public input and notes that this input should be sought through notices in the newspaper. The current policy predates the City s amendment to the notice by-law in 2010 which changed public notice from the newspaper to the website, except for when required by legislation. Report Page 3 of 5

4 The exact communication and consultation tools are not included in the policy because these change often (e.g. new forms of social media, changes in local media outlets, etc.). The goal of the policy is to provide notice to the public of a proposed change and provide meaningful opportunity for input. The following is an example of the public consultation that would be carried out under the proposed policy: Call for names (14 days) - Post to website as a public notice - Public notice at main entrance to site / facility - Post to City s webpage for site / facility - Post to City s social media accounts - Direct circulation to known external stakeholders (e.g. Friends of Walker s Creek) Public consultation (14 days for naming / 28 days for renaming) - Post to website as a public notice - Public notice at main entrance to site / facility - Post to City s webpage for site / facility - Post to City s social media accounts - Direct circulation to known external stakeholders - Post in Garden City Current - Press release (released to local media outlets) The above consultation goes beyond the requirements of the notice by-law. The use of a press release instead of a notice in the newspaper distributes the information to a wider variety of media outlets at no cost to the City, beyond staff time. Receipt of public feedback The proposed policy requires that public comments be submitted using standardized forms that are available online or in person at an accessible City facility (would be determined by staff based on the application). This approach will be reviewed and amended as needed. Under the proposed policy all comments will be required to include the commenter s first and last name and address. Committee involvement Staff will circulate the appropriate committees during the call for names and public consultation. For example, under the current committee structure the heritage advisory committee would be directly circulated during all call for names and during the public consultation when proposed names are of historical significance or are from the List of Significant Individuals. Further, any committee can decide to submit alternative names or provide comments during the public consultation if it is within their mandate. This is very similar to, and formalizes, the existing practice. Evaluation Matrix While the current policy prioritizes the types of names to be considered, it does not provide a framework for evaluating proposed names. The proposed policy includes a simple matrix to assist in evaluating the appropriateness of a name according to the Report Page 4 of 5

5 policy. A minimum score is not required for a name to be approved however the matrix provides a framework for comparing multiple names. Financial Implications No financial implications are anticipated as a result of approving the proposed policy. There are financial implications of reviewing each naming request, the most significant being staff time. It is for this reason that the proposed policy requires Council to initiate the naming process. The public consultation outlined in this report has been proposed as it balances the desire to reach a wide audience while minimizing costs. For example, beyond staff time the only cost is the public notice at the main entrance to the site. There are financial implications of approving a new name, however these are case specific and will be reported to Council through each review. Relationship to Strategic Plan A transparent, efficient and equitable naming process that encourages public consultation, ensures names are consistent with local identity, values, and character, and ensures that parks, trails and recreation facilities are easily identified assists in making social connections between people, places and neighbourhoods (social sustainability goal #5). The public consultation process proposed for the policy is aligned with providing excellent communication with citizens (social sustainability goal #6). The naming criteria in the proposed policy provides an opportunity to name parks, trails and recreation facilities to embrace the City s diversity and celebrate the City s heritage and history (cultural sustainability goal #9). Conclusion This report proposes an updated policy and procedure for naming City parks, trails and recreation facilities. If approved this policy would replace the policy approved in 2004 (Appendix 1). Prepared by: Kristen Sullivan Project and Development Planner Submitted by: Amy Tomaino Manager of Business Planning and Strategic Services Approved by: Phil Cristi Acting Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture Services Report Page 5 of 5

6 - 8 - General February 2, approved. CARRIED. ITEM NO. 57 Report from the Recreation and Community Services Department, Dated January 23, 2004 Re: Policy and Procedure for the Naming of City Parks, Arenas, and Facilities File: Council requested at the December 15, 2003 meeting that staff bring forward a report concerning the official naming of parks, arenas and recreational facilities. Statement: Recreation and Community Services recognizes that the names of parks, arenas, and recreational facilities owned by the City can have a significant influence on the sense of community within an area. With this in mind, a policy process to establish a systematic and consistent approach which respects and acknowledges the area s history, heritage, and environment, should be incorporated into the official naming of parks, arenas, and recreational facilities. Objectives: To ensure that parks, arenas, and recreational facilities are easily identified and located. To ensure that given names to parks, arenas, and recreational facilities are consistent with the identity, values, and character of the area or neighbourhood served. To encourage public participation in the naming, renaming, and dedication of parks, arenas, and recreational facilities. To encourage the dedication of lands, recreational facilities, or donations by individuals and/or groups. Current Criteria/Policy: Since 1978, the General Committee of Council has been asked to approve the names for parks, arenas and recreational facilities based on a recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Department (Recreation and Community Services). This staff recommendation was generally based on name recognition and geographic identity using the existing name of the major street that the park had access from. With this type of identification users are able to locate the facility relatively easily. Policy Research: The majority of municipalities throughout Canada have specific criteria for naming parks, arenas and recreational facilities. Generally, the use of geographic location, site history or persons with significant credentials to the specific park are common criteria in almost all the municipalities surveyed. Also common to the process is the formation of an Advisory Committee that uses the criteria to form a recommendation to Council. Naming parks after people or groups of people is commonly done but under rigid guidelines. It should be noted that in a number of jurisdictions outside of Canada (United States) it is not appropriate to memorialize individuals unless there is a clear relationship between the park and the individual. The test of such a relationship is whether the individual has an appropriate place in the interpretive program as a person integral to or instrumental in the history of the park. The exception to this model is the recent trend in Public/Private partnerships where municipalities

7 - 9 - General February 2, 2004 exchange naming rights for additional funding. Sponsorship dollars acquired through the exchange of naming rights can provide municipalities with the ability to supplement their budgets, acquire property, develop, expand and renovate public facilities, and make capital investments in exchange for mutually approved marketing opportunities. Proposed Criteria: Based on the research, combined with the existing municipal policy it is clear that a naming process that provides clarity and consistency is desirable. From this, Recreation and Community Services will provide Council with names for parks, arenas, and recreational facilities that emphasize geographic location, site history, environmental significance, local cultural history, local name recognition, community values, and character. 1. The following criteria is organized in priority, and shall be used in determining the appropriateness of the naming designation. a) Geographic location (neighbourhood and/or street location) b) Site History (previous uses, local name identification, area cultural significance) c) Natural Features (creek names, topographical names within the designated area) d) A person (non-living) with a link to the neighbourhood should have made a significant contribution beyond the normal course of duty directly to the local area, specifically to the advancement of parks and recreation, largely in a voluntary capacity. The nominee must have given extensive and distinguished service to the community that goes beyond the particular local government (eg. service to other organizations, voluntary and community groups) in a voluntary capacity. Names can be taken from the approved Council Historical Character List, but will be subject to the same criteria as persons not on the list. e) Sponsorship Option: Special conditions of property donation, construction or monetary donation as agreed upon by the donor and the municipality, shall be honoured regarding the naming of parks, arenas, and facilities. This item may take precedence over all other suggested names. 2. The naming of parks will be included as part of the public input process during the park development phase. 3. Names that are similar to existing parks, properties or facilities in the City system (or other systems in the municipality) should not be considered in order to minimize confusion. 4. The City reserves the right to change the name to maintain consistency with these policies. Procedure: 1. A request for naming of a park, arena, or recreational facility shall be submitted in writing to the Recreation and Community Services. In the absence of any naming requests Recreation and Community Services shall adhere to the criteria stated in this policy and recommend a name. 2. Those submitting a naming request, should show how the proposed name is consistent with the criteria stated in this policy. When naming after a person or persons, the application will describe in detail the contributions to the City. Written documentation of approval by next of kin to be honoured (if available/possible) is required as part of the proposal.

8 General February 2, 2004 City staff will review the proposal for adherence to the stated criteria and, check the Historical Characters List for pre-approval. If the name is not on the list, authentication of statements relative to contributions in the case of an individual, will be required from the those submitting the name. If the request is incomplete, Staff will contact the applicant, in writing and provide them with the opportunity to resubmit a revised request. 3. Recreation and Community Services will offer the opportunity for public input on the proposed naming. 4. Recreation and Community Services shall forward their recommendation to City Council for final decision. RECOMMENDATION: That the recommendations for the naming of city parks, arenas, and facilities, as outlined in the report from the Recreation and Community Services Department, dated January 23, 2004, be approved. MOVED BY COUNCILLOR MORRA: That Council select names for City-owned property and facilities based on specific criteria and consideration of public comment; and that this policy establish the process and criteria used in selecting names, and a method by which the public may provide suggestions and comments; and that preference be given to names which: reflect the location of the facility recognize the historical significance of the area reflect unique characteristics of the site honour, posthumously, the significant contribution of an individual to the community; and that the Recreation and Community Services Department solicit public comment through notices in the newspaper; and that names be proposed by members of the public, elected officials, or staff; and that suggestions for names in honour of individuals must be accompanied by a written description of the individual s contribution beyond the normal course of duty directly to the local area, largely in a voluntary capacity; and that unused names be forwarded to the Director of Recreation and Community Services for inclusion on the Historical Character List, which is referred to when selecting names; and that a referral be made to the Heritage Committee for consideration of both the staff recommendation and the public comment; and further, that the Heritage Committee make a selection and forward this name to Council for approval. CARRIED.

9 Subject: Naming Policy Parks, Trails and Recreation Facilities 2 Issue Date: August 21, 2017 Revision Date: Review Date: August 21, 2022 Page: 1 of 4 Policy: The City of St. Catharines recognizes that the names of City parks, trails and recreation facilities have a significant influence on the sense of community. The City encourages names that reflect and acknowledge the area s history, heritage, and environment through a transparent, equitable and efficient naming policy. Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to: - Establish a process that is transparent, efficient, and equitable and which encourages public participation; - Establish criteria to evaluate the appropriateness of a name and to ensure that names are consistent with the identity, values, and character of the City and the area or neighbourhood served; and - Ensure that parks, trails, and recreation facilities are easily identified and located. Scope: This policy applies to the naming and renaming of parks, trails, recreation facilities, and park amenities (e.g. playgrounds, sports fields, gazebos, etc.). Existing names will not be changed without consideration of the historical significance of the existing name, the impact on the individual or organization previously named, the cost and impact of changing existing signage, rebuilding community recognition and updating records (e.g. letterhead, databases, promotional materials). Standards: All names will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis but should be consistent with the following standards: - Reflect the identity, values, and character of the area or neighbourhood served - Easily recognizable and understandable - Meaningful to the broader community - Consistent with any other applicable policies Names will not be considered that: - Cause confusion due to duplication or sounding similar to existing City facility - Have inappropriate short forms, acronyms or modifications - Are discriminatory or derogatory considering race, gender, creed, political affiliation, or similar factors under the Canadian Human Rights Act

10 Subject: Naming Policy Parks, Trails and Recreation Facilities Issue Date: June 26, 2017 Revision Date: Review Date: June 26, 2022 Page: 2 of 4 Criteria Priority 1: Civic or historical significance Names that have local civic or historical significance (e.g. historical event with local impact or significance; individual, family or object having historical connection to the site such as the original land holder of past community name). Location or features Names that reflect the geographic location of the facility (e.g. neighbourhood, community, subdivision, adjacent street) or unique or noteworthy physical, environmental or scenic features/qualities. Criteria Priority 2: Significant individuals, families, organizations and foundations Names that recognize individuals, families, organizations and foundations will be considered if they have made a significant contribution to the local community that is well documented and broadly acknowledged within the community. The nominee s contribution shall be beyond the normal course of duty, such as lengthy and exceptional service in a voluntary or philanthropic capacity or achieving excellence in their endeavours and representing St. Catharines in a meritorious manner. Nominee s contributions must be anticipated to resonate with the broader community over an extended period of time. Where possible, there should be a direct relationship between the individual/family/ organization/foundation and the asset being named. Names in honour of elected or appointed public officials, City officials, and staff will normally only be considered once deceased. These individuals will have made an outstanding contribution to the local community outside their expected capacity and duties as an official or employee. Names from the List of Significant Local Individuals are encouraged and will be subject to the same criteria as names not on the list with the exception that the individual does not need to be deceased. Sponsorship naming rights will be considered through this process and may take precedence over other suggested names.

11 Subject: Naming Policy Parks, Trails and Recreation Facilities Issue Date: June 26, 2017 Revision Date: Review Date: June 26, 2022 Page: 3 of 4 Evaluation: Criteria Weight Civic or historical significance 5 Location or features 5 Significant contribution to the provision of parks, recreation and culture 4 Significant contribution to other areas 3 Relationship between name and asset 2 Has worked to foster equality and reduce discrimination 2 Has risked or given life to save or protect others 2 Creativity and/or originality 1 Process: The naming process is described in Appendix 1. Financial Considerations: The City is responsible for all costs associated with applying this policy, including review and circulation of the application, public consultation, and any costs related to implementing an approved name. Signage for assets named under this policy will be in line with the standard signage for the type of asset named. Any signage beyond the standard provision is at the approval of the City (must comply with all applicable policies) at the cost of the applicant. The City retains final approval for selection and location of signage including text and design. The City is not responsible for holding a dedication or naming ceremony specific to the approval of a name.

12 Subject: Naming Policy Parks, Trails and Recreation Facilities Issue Date: June 26, 2017 Revision Date: Review Date: June 26, 2022 Page: 4 of 4 Appendix 1: