Photo: The Village of Alix council is considering naming a street or other municipal feature after a former mayor and business owner who has since passed away. The discussion was held at the Mar. 4 regular meeting of council. Rural Alberta Report/S.Salkeld

The Village of Alix council is considering naming a street or other municipal feature after a former mayor and business owner who has since passed away. The discussion was held at the Mar. 4 regular meeting of council.

Councillors read a report from Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Michelle White regarding the naming of a street after well-known Alix residents Curt and Donna Peterson. “Curt Peterson was sworn into municipal council on Oct. 23, 2007 as mayor,” stated the CAO’s report.

“He did not run for re-election in 2017, meaning he provided 10 years of service to the village in his role as a member of council. Curt and his wife Donna were longtime business owners in the community and also did countless volunteer hours with various community organizations."

The CAO estimated the renaming of a street to recognize Peterson’s dedication would cost between $500 and $1,000, depending on how many signs needed to be changed. She noted the signs would have to be custom-made.

As well, it was noted a number of agencies would need to be notified in the event of a name change to avoid confusion; emergency services and utilities were mentioned.

As well, the CAO stated Alix property owners along a renamed street would also have to contact some agencies. “Every property located on the chosen road would need to notify their power and gas companies of the change to their civic address,” stated White’s memo. “They would also need to update all delivery services (couriers, online shopping platforms, etc.).”

The CAO noted council has the authority to pass a resolution to rename a street if they wish.

Coun. Rob Fehr stated he asked that the renaming idea be discussed by council, as he’s often thought about Peterson’s dedication to the Alix community and felt something could be done to honour that dedication. Fehr noted Peterson was a former mayor, a former village councillor, a former business owner and a very dedicated volunteer.

During discussion the CAO again noted if a street was renamed, for example, property owners are responsible for contacting agencies and vendors to notify them of the change.

Coun. Ed Cole stated he liked the idea. “Both Donna and Curt have done a lot for this community,” said Cole. “I think it’s a great idea and I think we should do it.”

Coun. Frank Laneuville agreed it was a good idea, but wondered if it had to be a street, asking if a building could be named after a person.

As councillors discussed the issue some roads were suggested, one being described as having 14 residents located along it. Councillors discussed how onerous it would be for residents to change their addresses.

Coun. Janice Besuijen observed changing the name of a street could cause emergency services dispatch confusion; councillors discussed various parks in Alix that could be named after Peterson.

Besuijen stated an idea like this one deserves a fair amount of thought and discussion, so she suggested bumping it to the council’s upcoming strategic planning retreat.

Councillors agreed, and unanimously passed a resolution to place the idea of naming a street after Peterson on their strategic planning agenda.