Smiths Falls will reach out to the local Indigenous community before deciding whether to pursue a new name for the recently reopened Confederation Bridge.
Mayor Shawn Pankow raised the idea last month, and council discussed the town’s naming policy this week.
Pankow suggested the bridge could potentially carry both an English name and a name reflecting the area’s Indigenous heritage, developed in consultation with local Anishinaabe communities.
Most councillors expressed openness to considering a new name, while also indicating they would be comfortable keeping Confederation Bridge if that’s what residents prefer — including Pankow himself.
Councillor Jay Brennan, however, took a firmer position.
Councillor Dawn Quinn said now is the appropriate time to seek public feedback, with the bridge project complete and the crossing back open to pedestrians.
Staff will consult with local Indigenous representatives and report back to council.
Council will then decide whether to launch a broader public naming process or leave the bridge’s name unchanged.
Story by Grant Deme
