Public input remains possible as council weighs future naming options, if any, for Confederation Bridge
Smiths Falls council will seek input from Indigenous partners before deciding whether to pursue any naming changes related to the town’s new timber frame bridge.
The discussion took place during council’s June 15 meeting after Clerk Kerry Costello presented a report outlining the municipality’s asset naming policy and options available should council choose to consider a name change.
Costello said the town adopted a municipal asset naming policy in 2017, generally discourages renaming existing municipal assets, although council retains the authority to do so if it determines a change is in the community’s best interest.
The report was brought forward after Mayor Shawn Pankow raised the possibility of renaming the bridge during a May 4 committee of the whole meeting. At that time, council agreed public involvement would be important if any naming discussion moved forward.
According to the report, the bridge’s current name, Confederation Bridge, is believed to be linked to its location near Confederation Drive and Confederation Park. The report notes those municipal landmarks were originally named in recognition of Canadian Confederation and the 1867 union of the provinces.
The timber pedestrian bridge replaced a 1904 steel pony truss bridge and connects Canal Street with Confederation Drive.
Pankow suggested the newly rebuilt bridge could present an opportunity to consider Indigenous naming and reconciliation initiatives.
Coun. Peter McKenna said there may be value in exploring Indigenous perspectives before making any decisions.
“I can imagine it could be just the Confederation Trail or Confederation Bridge is not necessarily a good memory for a lot of Indigenous people,” he said, adding that he was not attempting to create controversy but suggesting the municipality consider the issue thoughtfully.
Coun. Jennifer Miller said she would like to see consultation begin with Indigenous communities rather than the broader public.
“I think the community we need to consult is actually our Indigenous community,” Miller said.
She suggested the town’s existing relationships with Indigenous partners could help guide the conversation and identify whether there is interest in incorporating Indigenous language or cultural recognition into the bridge’s naming.
Not all members of council expressed support for changing the bridge’s current name.
Coun. Steve Robinson said he sees value in maintaining the existing name because of its connection to the surrounding area. But he did say he wasn’t against renaming the bridge.
“It connects on this western side to Confederation Drive and Confederation Park,” Robinson said. “By maintaining that name, it preserves an important connection to the history of that site.”
Coun. Jay Brennan voiced support for keeping the current name.
“I think that Confederation Bridge is Confederation Bridge,” Brennan said.
Council members also discussed the possibility of retaining the existing name while incorporating an Indigenous name or language element, though no specific proposals were presented.
The report notes that council has several options under the naming policy, including seeking public input through a naming contest or other consultation process using the town’s website, newspaper advertising and social media.
Council directed staff to consult with Indigenous communities and report back before determining whether broader public consultation should take place.
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