A small strip of park space in Sidney should not be named Gateway Park. That much town council can agree on.
But what to actually name it — that’s something they’re going to leave up to their employees. The municipality upgraded the space at Ocean Avenue and First Street in the late summer. The work was done during a sidewalk replacement project and includes new grass, rock work and the installation of benches. In a Dec. 14 report, municipal staff came up with three possible names: Gateway Park, Totem Park and Oceanside Park — all in consideration of nearby elements, like the ferry terminal, a long-standing totem pole feature and the ocean.
They recommended Gateway Park, due to the proximity of the terminal and First Street — seen as a natural entrance into the Town.
“This is not the gateway to Sidney,” said Councillor Mervyn Lougher-Goodey, referring to the volume of traffic in that area.
He joined most councillors in rejecting that name choice.
“I don’t feel it’s appropriate,” added Coun. Tim Chad. “Maybe, International Gateway Park …”
Council asked staff to come up with other options, to discuss at an upcoming meeting. Sidney council meets again Monday, Jan. 11 at 7 p.m.