Third Crossing Naming Campaign - Step 2

Consultation and community input has concluded. “Waaban Crossing” was confirmed as the bridge’s proper name at the City Council meeting held on March 22, 2022.

In July 2020, City Council committed to naming what is now called ‘the Third Crossing’ in a way that reflects and celebrates the stories and contributions of Indigenous communities in this region, both past and present.

The consultation process on the naming is the responsibility of the City and is being facilitated with the support of First Peoples Group. The naming consultation will begin with discussions with Indigenous Nations with historical ties to the area, including Alderville First Nation and Tyendinaga Mohawk Council, as well as with interested members of the local Indigenous community. This will be followed by a broader consultation with Kingston residents around proposed names and their meanings. Community input will then be brought back to the Indigenous consultation participants and a name will be selected to be brought forward for affirmation through a report to Council.

Step 2 - Consultations with Indigenous Nations and local Indigenous residents as well as an open survey for all residents of Kingston. 

Step 2 engagement involves a series of six community meetings for members of the local Indigenous community as well as members of First Nations who have historical ties to the Kingston area. In these meetings, community members will share ideas for naming themes, discuss opportunities for public education around the new name, and will create a shortlist of names based on ideas collected from different sources.

Are you First Nations, Métis or Inuit and living in the Kingston area? Join an upcoming virtual meeting! (see upcoming step 2 meetings under Key Dates on the right)

As part of Step 2 the broader Kingston community was also asked to provide input through an open survey on naming ideas. The ideas brought forward through that survey have informed the ongoing Step 2 discussions in the move toward finalizing a shortlist of names. That shortlist of names will be presented to the broader community for feedback as part of Step 3.

Step 2 adjusted timeline update: The naming discussion took a pause following the May 28 announcement that 215 unmarked graves had been located at the former residential school near Kamloops B.C. Similar announcements at other sites have followed and more are expected moving forward. The commitment to naming what is now called the Third Crossing is continuing; however, space and time is being taken as needed in support of local Indigenous peoples, and communities.

To see the notes from Step 2 meetings use the News tab below!