A shortlist of names for Fort Frances Council to consider in the renaming of Colonization Road.
The Planning and Development Executive Committee narrowed down the field of names at a Monday meeting.
Colonization Road East will become one of the following, Agamiing Drive (meaning at the shore), Harmony Drive, Shoreline Drive, Nibi Drive (meaning water) or Sunrise Drive.
Colonization Road West will become one of the following, Sunset Trail, Heritage Trail, Spirit Trail or Moonlight Trail.
The group is hoping for a Council decision Monday, May 10, with the new name in place for January 1, 2022.
A total of some 70 road suggestions were put forward by the public.
Councillor Doug Judson says at least one part of the road should have an Indigenous name.
“I don’t think it’s going to look well upon us if our idea engaging and reconciliation does not actually honour Indigenous people in the way we have so many other people with our streets.”
The recommendation from the Committee is that the new names take effect on January 1, 2022. I have also asked that one of the Colonization Road signs be donated to each of @Manitoumounds, the Fort Frances Museum, and the @CMHR_News.
[4/4]— Douglas W. Judson (@dwjudson) May 3, 2021
Mayor June Caul agrees.
“Defiantly a First Nations name, I think would be appropriate in the east, because we’re entering from the First Nations community and going back into it when we come and go.”
Dryden Council took the lead last month passing a bylaw to change Colonization Road North to Boozhoo Avenue and Colonization Road South to Memorial Avenue.
A renaming ceremony will be held on June 21, coinciding with National Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrations.
(With Files From Randy Thoms: Fort Frances)
