How park names are chosen in Wrenford
Every park in the City of Wrenford has a name that tells a story about our neighbourhoods, our river, and our history. When a new park is created or an existing space is renamed, the City follows a clear process to make sure the name fits the area and meets provincial and municipal rules.
Guidelines for park names
The Parks and Trails team works with the City Manager and City Council to review all naming requests. We use the following guidelines to keep our parks easy to find and respectful of our shared heritage:
- Local geography and history: Names often reflect features of the Tamsin River, Corvid Creek, Ambrel Lake, or the Benchlands escarpment. Historic mills, bridges, and early settlers are also common themes.
- Neighbourhood identity: Parks in subdivisions like Westbrook, Larch Heights, and Wildrye frequently take names from local flora, fauna, or the original surveyors who laid out the streets.
- Uniqueness and safety: To help emergency responders and visitors navigate, park names must not be too similar to nearby streets, roads, or other parks. We avoid names that could cause confusion or pose a safety risk.
- No commercial or political names: Parks are public spaces for everyone. We do not approve names that include corporate brands, political campaigns, or private businesses.
The naming process
- Submission: Residents, developers, or community groups submit a proposed name to the Parks and Trails team. You can share background information, historical notes, or family documents to support your suggestion.
- Review: Parks Planner Maya Chen-Watson checks the proposal against the Park Naming Master List and ensures it meets the guidelines. The team also confirms the name is not already in use within a five-kilometre radius.
- Public consultation: If the name is approved for a new park, the City posts a notice in the neighbourhood and runs a 60-day public consultation period. This gives residents a chance to share feedback.
- Council approval: Final naming decisions are approved by City Council at a regular meeting. Once approved, the name is added to the official City map and wayfinding signs.
Rules and by-laws
All park naming and associated plaque installations are governed by Park Landmark Preservation By-law 2026-085. This by-law ensures that any commemorative plaques, memorials, or landmark markers are installed safely and maintained properly.
For more details on park rules, visit the Learn about park bylaws and rules page.
How to apply
If you would like to suggest a name for a new park or request a renaming, please email the Parks and Trails team at [email protected]. Include the park location, the proposed name, and any supporting history or documents. The City will confirm receipt and notify you once the consultation period begins.
For questions about park rentals, facility bookings, or maintenance, contact the Civic Operations Centre at 519-555-0112.