Municipal Naming Policy

To request the naming or renaming of a municipal facility or property, a written request must be submitted to the CAO/Clerk. The request should include detailed information demonstrating how the proposed name aligns with the criteria of the Municipal Naming/Renaming Policy.

Required Information:

1. Background or Biographical Information
   Provide information about the individual or organization for whom the name is proposed, demonstrating their significance to the community or the Town of Marathon.
2. Supporting Documentation
   Include letters of support from relevant organizations or individuals that provide substantial backing for the naming/renaming request.
3. Next of Kin or Legal Representative Authorization
   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.
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. 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.

Application Submission

The CAO/Clerk will forward the application to the relevant department manager for review. The manager will evaluate the application to ensure it aligns with the Municipal Naming/Renaming Policy and assess its suitability.

1. Criminal Record & Vulnerable Sector Check
   A Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check must be completed and meet the approval of Town Council.
2. Report Submission
   After the review, the Manager and CAO/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);
3. Council Approval
   All proposed names for municipal facilities, properties, and amenities must be formally approved by Town Council before they are officially recognized.

All proposed names for municipal facilities, properties, features, and amenities must adhere to the majority of the following guidelines and restrictions:

General Criteria
Names should:

• Reflect local heritage, geography, or community contributions.
• Foster a sense of place and continuity.
• Align with Town policies.

Not Eligible:

• Living individuals (unless approved by Council or linked to major donation).
• Political affiliations.
• Offensive/discriminatory language.
• Duplicates or commercial product names.
• Names inconsistent with the Town’s values.

Naming Categories

1. Geographic – Based on location, physical features, or proximity.
2. Historic – Reflecting significant local or national events.
3. Individuals/Organizations – Recognizing meaningful contributions in public service, culture, or community development.

Geographic

Names with a geographic affiliation, including:

• Neighborhoods, subdivisions, or adjacent streets.
• Noteworthy physical, scenic, or environmental features.
• Unique site or topographical characteristics.
• Proximity to recognized areas or facilities.

Historic

Names reflecting a historical affiliation, such as:

• Local or national historical events.
• Heritage and cultural milestones.

Individuals and/or Organizations

Names recognizing individuals or organizations that have made a significant contribution to the Town of Marathon, such as:

• Historical connection to the site (e.g., previous landowners).
• Service as elected officials (minimum two terms).
• Long-standing participation in public boards, committees, or commissions.
• Voluntary or philanthropic work in areas such as arts, culture, business, education, journalism, science, or sports—at the local, provincial, national, or international level.

Additional Notes

• Contributions must be well documented and broadly recognized in the community.
• There should be a clear connection between the individual/organization and the proposed location.
• The reputation of the person/organization must be honourable.
• For deceased individuals, permission must be obtained from the next of kin or legal representative
• A three-year waiting period after the death of an individual must be observed before considering the name. This helps ensure a thoughtful and respectful commemoration process.

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.

• Naming must align with the Town’s naming criteria and policies.
• Living individuals may be recognized in these cases.
• The Town reserves the right to revoke a name if it later becomes inappropriate or disreputable.

Renaming existing amenities will only be considered in exceptional cases. The Town will evaluate:

• Historical significance of the current name.
• Impact on associated individuals/organizations.
• 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.

Cost responsibility:

• Town-led renaming: Town covers cost.
• Individual/organization-led renaming: Initiator covers cost.

A petition of support is required for all naming/renaming requests, except when:

• Initiated by the Town, or;
• In recognition of a significant financial gift.

Petitions must:

• Be in a Town-approved format.
• Include name, address, phone number, and signature.
• Be signed by two-thirds of property owners within 2 km of the amenity (one signature per property).

Facility Features
Key interior areas within a building, such as meeting rooms, gyms, auditoriums, lobbies, and lounges.

Municipal Facilities & Properties
All Town-owned buildings, roads, parks, and structures.

Open Spaces
Includes trails, pathway systems, and utility features like stormwater ponds under Town jurisdiction.

Parkland
All types of Town-owned parks (community, neighbourhood, etc.).

Park Features
Recreational or structural park elements—e.g., playgrounds, skate parks, benches, washrooms.

Public Facilities
Town-owned buildings like rec centres, fire halls, community hubs, and admin offices.

Significant Financial Gift
A donation of 35% or more of the capital cost or appraised value of an amenity.