Owen Sound City Council members gave the green light to initiate the process to rename Ryerson Park.
The move Monday night follows an application submitted under the city’s Naming and Re-Naming Policy. The application points to Egerton Ryerson's involvement with the formation of the residential school system, which led to the abuse of countless Indigenous children.
Councillor Jon Farmer will be part of a working group which will put the policy to the test.
"That park has effectively been denamed because the sign was taken down, I believe it was 2021," said Farmer. "And certainly living in the neighbourhood, people often talk about maybe other names for the park."
Director of Community Services Pamela Coulter said this is the first time the policy has been used for a renaming request.
"The policy ensures there’s a clear, transparent, and consistent process for reviewing existing names, including public consultation and input from subject matter experts," she said.
A working group, including three members of council, the city clerk, and city staff, will review the application and gather public feedback before making a final recommendation.
"I've heard many names suggested, and I think that the only way that we can effectively rename it is to follow the policy that we have set out," added Farmer.
A report will be brought to the Community Services Committee later this year.