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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWD-26-80 1 TOWN OF NLWCASTLE PUBLIC WORKS DEJ'AItTM13N'C Director's Report to Public Works Committee. Item: WD-26-80. Date: February 21, 1980. Subject: Street and Roadway Names throughout the Town of Newcastle. Background: In 1978 a request was received from the Ministry of Transportation & Communications that the Town of Newcastle undertake a review of all roadway names with a view to standardizing signing throughout the Municipality. At that time the Ministry was conducting an update of information relative to the local identification of roads. Public Works Committee (May 11, 1978) directed that Staff review and investigate this matter and report back at a later date. Subsequently, in June, 1979, the report was presented and Resolution # W-130-79 was passed, as follows: Resolution if W-130-79: a) THAT Concession roads running east/west remain the same as at present, and be further identified by the name of the former Municipality, e.g. Cone. 6. Darlington. b) THAT roads and streets which have been named by By-Law remain so named. c) THAT maps be displayed in public places indicating the proposed names for north/south roads and streets and that they be further identitied by the name of the former Municipality. As a result of the foregoing, maps of the Town of Newcastle, depicting proposed street names, were displayed in various public places and area agencies, and the public was requested to comment on same. Voluntary response to this public presentation was poor and many of the maps were returned to the Municipal Offices with no comments being made. However, when input was actively saught, from some agencies and individuals, very valuable information and co-operation was given. / 2 . . . WD-26-80: - 2 Report: Some significant input from interested parties, included the following: a) Advice on the names of early settler's, or original road names. b) The suggestion that a grid system be implemented to facilitate the speedy identification and/or location of roads. c) A street numbering system. d) That less duplication be used in road-naming. e) That one name be used, for each nortli-south road, throughout the Municipality. Typical of those who were interested in the project were Bell Canada, Consumers' Gas and Simpson Sears Limited who, although they could not add any information to the proposal, felt that the concept was an ex- cellent one, and the majority of people contacted throughout the duration of the survey, felt that the project was well worthwhile. It was the opinion of the Public Works Department that historical names should be used whenever possible, especially in the Township areas, and extensive research was undertaken; reference books were obtained, the advice of local historians was sought, and discussions with lifelong residents of specific areas were held. As a result of all the information obtained to date, a great many of the roadway names proposed at the outset have been changed in order to in- corporate those of special historic or local significance. In addition, not only were any criticisms and concerns relative to the initial map accommodated, but various duplicated names were deleted. With respect to the suggestion of house-numbering, this was not given major consideration due to the vast amount of field work which would be involved, and the inherent costs required to complete such a system. There were cases wherein the use of one name for a north-south road would defeat the intention of using historical identification and, in these instances, preference was given to the historical name. It is felt that, by this method, the original character of the Town of Newcastle would be preserved. The grid system could be incorporated at a later date, and this would necessitate the preparation of inventories and by-laws relative to the finally approved names. / 3 . . . WD-26-80: Recommendation: THAT Draft # 2 of the map of Proposed Roadway Names (revised) be displayed in public places, with input requested, and comments thereon be received by the Public Works Department and, further, that, conditional upon a favourable reception of the proposal, the necessary by-law be prepared and recommended to Council.