Muskoka Launches 'Names with Purpose'

An Initiative to Foster Respect and Inclusion Through Renaming Efforts  

Wednesday, May 1, 2024 (Muskoka, ON) – The District of Muskoka is proud to launch Names with Purpose, an initiative in collaboration with the Muskoka Area Indigenous Leadership Table (MAILT) and community partners.

Names with Purpose is focused on identifying and examining the names of roads, landmarks, and public spaces in Muskoka that may be perceived as disrespectful or inappropriate. We aim to deepen our understanding of Muskoka's naming landscape to ensure it reflects our community's values of respect, diversity, and inclusion.

MAILT: Inspiration and Collaboration

MAILT has played a critical role in guiding the Names with Purpose initiative. Inspired by our first-ever renaming project transforming Muskoka Road 38 to Kanien'kehá:ka Iohatátie, the District, MAILT and our communities are working together to honour and shape a more inclusive future.

An Inventory of Names

We are focusing on identifying and evaluating the names of roads, landmarks, and public spaces within Muskoka that may be considered inappropriate or offensive, whose meanings may have evolved over time, or names that may carry racial or cultural insensitivities.

To accomplish this, we are relying on the valuable insights of our community members to identify and submit these names and places. In parallel, the District of Muskoka is conducting an in-depth internal review, to grasp the existing naming landscape in Muskoka, ensuring a thorough and inclusive approach.

“We're revisiting the names of our roads, landmarks, and public spaces to ensure they truly represent what Muskoka stands for. Names with Purpose offers a unique opportunity for everyone to have a say in how we honour and acknowledge our history and diversity - we need your feedback to help us identify names that may need a fresh perspective.”- Julie Stevens, Chief Administrative Officer – The District of Muskoka 

Join Our Renaming Conversation – Submission Form Open

We invite community members to submit names that should be considered  for renaming. Submissions are being accepted until July 31, 2024. Explore the initiative and share your renaming suggestions online at www.engagemuskoka.ca/NamesWithPurpose

We are committed to ensuring everyone can participate and can accommodate multiple ways to receive your input.  If online forms aren't suitable for you, please call us at 705-645-2100 ext. 4330, we’re here to help.

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Working together – exceptional staff, invested leadership and engaged partners – to realize our vision for Muskoka. It’s what we do.

The District of Muskoka is made up of six area municipalities and is responsible for delivering critical public services and programs to residents in our community. Visit our website at www.muskoka.on.ca. For updates by email, subscribe to News Updates on our website.