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The Town of Port Hawkesbury
Civic Naming Policy
The Town of Port Hawkesbury Civic Naming/renaming policy provide a clear framework for
naming or renaming municipal facilities, parks, roads, properties, features and other public
amenities.
1. Purpose
1.1 This policy aims to:
a. Honour significant geographical or historical foundations;
b. Recognize, on an exceptional basis, individuals or organizations, who have made
meaningful contributions to the public good or community life in Port Hawkesbury;
c. Provide a transparent application process for naming, renaming, or dedicating
municipal spaces.
2. Definitions
Facility Features
Key interior areas within a building, such as
meeting rooms, gyms, auditorium, lobbies
and lounges
Municipal Facilities & Properties
All Town-owned buildings, streets, parks,
and structures
Open Spaces
Includes trails, pathway systems, and other
appropriate features
Parkland
All types of Town-owned parks (community,
neighbourhood, etc.,).
Park Features
Recreational or structural park elements -
e.g., playground equipment, benches, and
trees
Significant Financial Gift
A donation of 35% of the capital cost or
appraised value of an amenity
Town
The Town of Port Hawkesbury
3. Policy Guidelines
3.1 This policy applies to the following four naming situations:
a. Newly Opened Facilities or Amenities
Naming of new municipal facilities, parks, roads or features.
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b. Reopened or Renovated Spaces
Naming upon the reopening of a municipal space after renovations or
refurbishment.
c. Renaming for Community Recognition
Renaming to honour individuals or organizations who have significantly contributed
to the Town of Port Hawkesbury's well-being.
d. Recognition of Donations or Gifts
Naming to acknowledge substantial gifts or donations made to the Town.
4. Exclusions
4.1 This policy does not apply to:
a. Properties or facilities owned or operated by associated municipal boards or
organizations.
b. Commercial Naming Rights Agreements:
Commercial Naming Rights agreements shall be fully explored prior to acceptance of
applications for naming or renaming of facilities under this policy. Fees received from
Commercial Naming rights enable the Town to enhance services, by supporting capital
and operating costs which is essential for providing and maintain community facilities.
5. Naming Guidelines
To request the naming or renaming of a municipal facility or property, a written request must
be submitted to the CAO or Clerk. The request should include detailed information
demonstrating how the proposed name aligns with the criteria of the Civic Naming Policy.
5.1
Background or Biographical Information
Provide information about the individual or organization for whom the name is
proposed, demonstrating their significance to the community of the Town of Port
Hawkesbury.
5.2
Supporting Documentation
Include letters of support from relevant organizations or individuals that provide
substantial backing for the naming/request.
5.3
Next of Kin or Legal Representative Authorization
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If the name is proposed for a deceased individual or an organization, provide
documentation from the next of kin or legal representative supporting or authorizing
the naming.
5.4
Financial Contribution Details
If the naming request results from a significant financial gift, submit a statement of
intent outlining the details and any conditions attached to the financial contribution.
5.5
Public Support Petition
If a private individual or organization is seeking a renaming, a public support petition
must be included as part of the request.
6 Application Submission
6.1 The CAO or Clerk will forward the application to the relevant department manager for
review. The manager will evaluate the application to ensure that it aligns with
municipal naming. Renaming policy and assess its suitability.
a. Criminal Record & Vulnerable Sector Check
A criminal Record Check and vulnerable Sector Check must be completed and
meet the approval of Town Council
b. Report Submission
After the review, the manager and CAO or Clerk will prepare a report for Town
Council. The report will include:
- Recommendation and rationale;
- Confirmation of the individual/organization's endorsement;
- A summary of the community process (if applicable);
- Financial implications (if any);
c. Council Approval
All proposed names for municipal facilities, properties, and amenities must be
formally approved by Town Council before they are officially recognized.
7 Naming Criteria and Guidelines
7.1
All proposed names for Municipal Facilities, Open Spaces, Properties, and Parkland
must adhere to the majority of the following guidelines and restrictions:
7.5.1 General Criteria
Names should:
a. Reflect local heritage, geography, or community contributions
b. Foster a sense of place and continuity
c. Align with Town policies.
7.5.2 Not Eligible:
a. Living individuals (unless approved by Council or linked to major donation)
b. Political affiliations
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c. Offensive/discriminatory language
d. Duplicates or commercial product names
e. Names inconsistent with the Town's values
7.5.3 Naming Categories
a. Geographic- based on location, physical features, or proximity
b. Historic - Reflecting significant local or national events.
c. Individuals /organizations - recognising meaningful contributions in public
service, culture or community development.
7.5.4 Geographic
Names with a geographic affiliation, including:
a. Neighborhoods, subdivisions, or adjacent streets
b. Noteworthy physical, scenic, or environmental features
c. Unique site or topographical characteristics
d. Proximity to recognised areas or facilities
7.5.5 Historic
Names reflecting a historical affiliation, such as:
a. Local or national historical events
b. Heritage and cultural milestones
7.5.6 Individuals and/or Organizations
Names recognizing individuals or organizations that have made a significant
contribution to the Town of Port Hawkesbury, such as:
a. Historical connection to the site (e.g., previous landowners)
b. Service as elected officials (minimum two terms)
c. Long-standing participation in public boards, committees, or commissions.
d. Voluntary or philanthropic work in areas such as arts, culture, business,
education, journalism, science, or sports at the local, provincial, national, or
international level.
7.1.7 Additional Notes
a. Contributions must be well documented and broadly recognized in the
community.
b. There should be clear connection between the individual/organization and the
proposed location.
c. The reputation of the person/organization must be honorable
d. For deceased individuals, permission must be obtained from the next of kin or
legal representative
e. If Council is considering corporate sponsorship, the timeline must not exceed two
years after receipt of an application
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8 Donor Recognition and Significant Financial Gifts
8.1
The Town may name a municipal amenity in recognition of a significant financial gift,
defined as a minimum of 35% of the total capital cost or appraised value of the
amenity.
a. Naming must align with the Towns' naming criteria and policies
b. Living individuals may be recognized in these cases.
c. The Town reserves the right to revoke a name inf it late becomes inappropriate or
disreputable
9 Renaming of Existing Municipal Amenities
9.1
Renaming existing amenities will only be considered in exceptional cases. The town
will evaluate:
a. Historical significance of the current name
b. Impact on associated individuals/organizations
c. Cost of updating signage, records, and materials
A 30-day public comment period will follow any renaming recommendation, with notice
posted on the Town website.
10 Cost responsibility:
a. Town-led renaming: Town covers cost
b. Individual/organization -led renaming: Initiator covers cost
11 Public Support Petition
11.1
A petition of support is required for all naming/renaming requests, except when:
a. Initiated by the Town; or
b. In recognition of a significant financial gift.
11.2 The petition must:
a. Include the name, address, phone number, and signature of Town Resident
(signatory)
i. Each signatory must be an ordinarily resident (as defined in the Nova
Scotia Municipal Election Act) in the Town for a period of at least six (6)
months prior to the date of signing
ii. Each signatory must be eighteen (18) years old on the day the petition
was signed; and
iii. Each signatory must be a Canadian Citizen
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b. With the collection of signatures from signatories in compliance with Para a.
collected through a series of three Open House Events jointly administered by the
applicant and the Town of Port Hawkesbury.
c. The petition must contain signatures from at least 20% of the registered ordinarily
residents' voters as defined from the most recent municipal election.
12 Dedication of Park Features
12.1 Dedication of a tree, benches or other furniture can be made by applying to the
General Manager of Facilities. The cost of the dedication shall be $1,000. The
purchase and installation of a standardized plaques shall be the responsibility of the
Town. The dedication shall be in effect for the life of the asset.
ANNOTATION
Policy Review Notification:
February 3, 2026
Policy Review Date:
September 16, 2025 & February 3, 2026
Approved by Council:
February 17, 2026
Amended by Council:
May 5th, 2026
Review amendments:
May 5th,2026
Approved amendments:
June 2, 2026
I certify this to be a true copy of the Civic Naming Policy as adopted by the
Town Council of Port Hawkesbury at a Special Public Meeting held on February 17, 2026
Terry Doyle, P. Eng.
Chief Administrative Officer