City council is contemplating renaming a portion of 11th Avenue.
Mayor Walter Jakeway brought forward a motion to Tuesday night’s council meeting to change the name of the section of 11th Avenue between Cedar Street and the cenotaph in Spirit Square to Veteran’s Way.
“I think it’s a great way to honour our vets, that the street right in front of their building over to the cenotaph – which we all meet there November 11 – that it would be wonderful if we could designate it to the honour of our vets,” said Jakeway, referring to the Campbell River branch of the Royal Canadian Legion which fronts the section of 11th Avenue Jakeway is proposing to rename.
If the name is changed, it would affect three local businesses and the city’s Community Centre.
The Legion, Uptown Willie’s cafe, and Britches and Hose Vintage Clothing would all be faced with the cost of having to change their address.
But Jakeway’s motion also includes having the city reimburse those businesses for costs up to $2,500.
He said since only a few businesses would be impacted, costs to the city should be minimal.
“There shouldn’t be too much affect on businesses needing remuneration for costs incurred,” he said.
Coun. Claire Moglove said she would feel more comfortable contacting the three businesses before committing to Veteran’s Way.
“I’d like to make a motion that this be referred to the three groups that you (Jakeway) named, i.e. the Legion, Uptown Willie’s, and the dress shop, for their comment,” Moglove said. “I don’t want to do anything if they are opposed to what is proposed here. I think it’s a great idea.”
Coun. Mary Storry suggested the proposal also be brought to the Downtown Business Improvement Association (BIA) for its recommendation.
Council voted in favour of getting input from the affected businesses and Downtown BIA before proceeding.