An Ottawa councillor says she will not be bringing forward a motion to rename streets in her ward that share the name of U.S. states. Alta Vista ward is home to several streets that share the name of U.S. states, including Virginia Drive, Michigan Avenue, Arizona Avenue, Florida Avenue Illinois Avenue, Louisiana Avenue, Connecticut Avenue and Utah Street. In a post on Facebook, Coun. Marty Carr said she would not ask residents about changing the residential street names. “I will continue to encourage you to please support local - we have some amazing local businesses here in the Ward including some micro-businesses,” Carr said. On Wednesday, Coun. Riley Brockington said “it’s time to remove” the name Trump from a street in the Central Park neighbourhood as the Canada-U.S. trade war continues. “I’m embarrassed that there is a street in River Ward called Trump Avenue, and I’m embarrassed that, in the nation’s capital, we have Donald Trump honoured in this respect,” Brockington said during Wednesday’s council meeting. “I say honoured because it is an honour to have your name attached to a street sign.” The Central Park neighbourhood has many references that point to New York City, with street names of Madison Park, Manhattan Crescent, Staten Street and Trump Avenue. In 2021, residents of Trump Avenue voted on the possibility of changing the street name. The vote ended in a 21-21 tie, with 20 households abstaining. The City of Ottawa’s policy requires approval of at least 50 per cent plus one to change the name on a street.
