Mikinàk Mikan, meaning “Turtle Road,” was selected following consultation with the Algonquins of Ontario
TAY VALLEY — A previously unnamed private right of way serving three rural properties will now officially be called Mikinàk Mikan, following final approval by Tay Valley council at its March 24 meeting.
The name comes from the Anishinaabemowin language and translates to “Turtle Road.”
The roadway, accessed from Elm Grove Road near Bolingbroke, has existed for decades but had never been formally named or added to the township’s road naming bylaw. The issue surfaced after a building permit application was submitted for a property at 1077 Elm Grove Rd.
Township staff said naming the private road was necessary to ensure the affected properties have proper legal frontage and civic addressing.
Council had previously considered the name Turtle Ranch Road in December 2025, but neighbouring landowners could not reach agreement. Council directed staff to consult further and return with alternative options.
Staff later worked with the two affected property owners and proposed the name Mikinàk Mikan, reflecting the presence of turtles on the property and the Indigenous heritage associated with the land.
Before bringing the recommendation forward, the township contacted the Algonquins of Ontario Consultation Office for guidance.
The consultation office confirmed that “Mikinàk” is the Anishinaabemowin word for turtle and suggested adding “Mikan,” meaning road, to form the full name Mikinàk Mikan.
Lanark County also reviewed the proposed name to ensure it met requirements under the Bell 9-1-1 addressing system. Although “Mikan” is not currently listed as a standard road suffix, Bell confirmed the name would not affect emergency response if the suffix field was left blank.
An alternate option, Mikinàk Mikan Way, was suggested as a compromise that would include a standard suffix, but township staff recommended using the traditional wording.
Once the bylaw is finalized, the three properties will receive new civic addresses and address posts will be relocated from Elm Grove Road to the entrance of the private roadway.
All costs associated with naming the road, including signage and administrative work, will be covered by the property owners through the township’s fee schedule.
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