Only a few potential road names are left on the District of Sechelt’s previous road naming bylaw. At the April 5 council meeting, Sechelt elected officials had a list of 39 name suggestions that can be assigned to roads during the subdivision process before them.
Coun. Dianne McLauchlan made a motion to table the bylaw, in favour of coordinating with shíshálh Nation, but that motion was defeated. Staff commented that once the bylaw receives three readings, the list will be referred to shíshálh Nation for comment.
The names are: Salmonberry, Merlin, Spirea, Sanderling, Snowberry, Salamander, Sorrel, Frog, Lilac, Ensatina, Lavender, Asteroid, Rockweed, Eclipse, Harlequin, Meteor, Hummingbird, Stellar, Calliope, Jupiter, Oystercatcher, Venus, Robin, Mars, Dunlin, Saturn, Kestrel, Pluto, Murrelet, Mercury, Swainson, and Peace. Evergreen Way is suggested for West Sechelt and Solberg for use in Tuwanek. In the downtown area, five names are on the list: Kitty Cat Lane, Teddy Bear Lane, Unicorn, Octopus and Sisters.
The staff report noted, “The Solberg pioneer family in Tuwanek has been on the reserve list from past years, and is included at this time.”
Between 2021 and the end of January 2023, the District of Sechelt asked the public what names they would like to be considered. The previous council saw a first draft of the new policy in 2021.
The reserve list can be used for new roads in subdivision approvals, renaming roads and suggestions for private strata roads. The Official Community Plan requires road names “to facilitate more efficient emergency services response, reduce confusion with mailing addresses, allow residents and visitors to find their way around the community with ease, and can foster a sense of inclusivity,” the staff report said.
Coun. Alton Toth noted that developers can apply to use other names, and he “would strongly encourage” developers to reach out to the shíshálh Nation. He and mayor John Henderson said names can always be added to the list. Coun. Darren Inkster asked, “What is the rush?” In commenting on the number of nature-themed names, Inskter also wondered whether there were “things that we’re missing.”
McLauchlan pointed to specific names — Teddy Bear Lane, Kitty Cat Lane and Unicorn — and said, “I just think that we can come up with a better mixture of names that are … something that’s shared.”
Staff said those names come from a school group, and they’re happy to do more community engagement.
Council gave the bylaw two readings. McLauclan was opposed to both.
