Smiths Falls street names to be “rooted in local history”

During Monday night’s Committee of the Whole meeting, Senior Planner Karl Grenke brought forward a request from Parkview Homes regarding two proposed street names for the new neighbourhood in Bellamy Farms. The names Parkview proposed, Ferne and Wesley, are not on the town’s Approved Names list.

In the related report, Mary Remmig, Planning Clerk, described the location of the proposed streets. “The collector road forming part of the subdivision which will connect Ferrara Drive to Broadview Avenue has been named Staples Boulevard in honour of former Mayor Dennis Staples who served on Smiths Falls Council from 1986 to 1995, and as Mayor until 2014. The two streets currently proposed to be named are located east of Staples Boulevard.”

Councilor Chris McGuire commented that he would prefer to see the names come from the Approved list, which was compiled in 2014; but added that he believes the list needs review.

Councilor Niki Dwyer agreed. “It’s only fitting that the developer select a name from this list, which is sourced from the local community.  Street names should be rooted in our local history. I think we should send it back to the developer and ask them to select a name from the list.”

Councilor Jay Brennan noted that newcomers will learn something about Smiths Falls’ unique history if our street names honour our significant people.

Hearing these thoughts, Councilor Peter McKenna was pleased to change his mind on the topic. “I was neutral on this going in; but I’m really impressed by my colleagues’ thoughtful comments. I would prefer to see Margaret Graham street; named after the first ever woman councilor in our town.”

Council voted unanimously to direct Parkview to select names from the Approved Names list.

Article by Janelle Labelle

Author: Hometown News