City reopens applications for commemorative names in Ottawa

The City of Ottawa announced in a release Tuesday that the commemorative naming application period has opened for the public to nominate “people, histories, and legacies that have helped shape Ottawa’s community.”

The application period will run from Sept. 8 until Oct. 20.

According to the city, commemorative names can be applied to various municipal infrastructure, including new streets, indoor and outdoor amenities, major municipal facilities, and local parks.

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Application process

Submitted proposals are reviewed by the City and the Commemorative Working Group to ensure the commemorative nomination matches policy criteria. Nominations approved by those parties will then be put up for a 30-day public consultation period.

The Commemorative Naming Policy was first introduced by Ottawa City Council in July 2002. According to the City of Ottawa’s commemorative naming page on their website, the purpose of the program is to ensure the following:

• An equitable, inclusive and sustainable commemorative naming program that honours the uniqueness of Ottawa, including its diverse communities and cultures, histories and legacies that have built upon and live on the traditional territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation;
• That the City has an effective policy and process to provide positive recognition to persons, events and accomplishments that are worthy of municipal celebration;
• All approved commemorative names will be determined for suitability through a transparent process based on the accuracy and verifiability of the information provided to support the application; and
• A clear, focused, efficient, and timely naming process that includes an open and transparent consultation process facilitating community participation.

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The page further establishes the following eligibility criteria for all name applications:

• The proposed name must align with the criteria outlined in one of the naming categories below.
• The contribution or significance of the proposed name must be well documented, verifiable, and/or broadly acknowledged within relevant communities.
• The reputation of a proposed name must align with positive community values to be considered for naming.

After the current commemorative naming period concludes on October 20, the next application period will not take place until Spring 2027, beginning in March.

To learn more about the commemorative naming application process or criteria, visit the City of Ottawa’s commemorative naming webpage.

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