Interest in naming the new bridge definitely circulated in the community and beyond.
The City of Trail received 70 entries from residents in Trail, Warfield, Rossland, Montrose, Fruitvale and even Alberta, says Andrea Jolly.
After six weeks, opportunity to name the new pipe pedestrian bridge closed Wednesday, and with all the suggestions, Trail council has a lot to consider over the next few months.
“It is evident that people (were) checking their historical, regional and cultural facts and put great efforts into coming up with a proposed name,” said Jolly, Trail’s events and communication coordinator. “We hope it has been fun, challenging and educational for everyone to go through this process.”
The next step is for the list of entries to be compiled and presented to city council for review and consideration, explained Jolly.
She said the report will be made available for council in early January, and then the officials will decide how the winning name will be chosen.
“Council may suggest narrowing it down to three names and then presenting it back to the public to vote,” Jolly clarified. “Or, council may decide to have a small committee choose a winning name, or, they may decide on another process.”
The public will be informed as Trail council proceeds, she added.
Anyone could propose a name, regardless of place of residence, but there were a few guidelines to follow.
Along with the suggestion, participants had to include the meaning of the proposed name, and answer “yes” or “no” if the name will still have significance in 100-plus years.
Additionally, each name had to include a historical, cultural, or regional reference.
“The city would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who has participated,” Jolly said. “It is very exciting to think that soon there will be a new bridge with a new name for everyone in the region to enjoy.”