KENORA – The province is proposing an official name for an island in the Lake of the Woods, and is seeking public input on the matter.
An island south of the city of Kenora could be called Arcadia Island, if the name meets with public approval.
The suggested designation comes from the Ontario Geographic Names Board, a panel consisting of the province’s surveyor general, a board secretary appointed by the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, and five members appointed by Cabinet.
The MNRF posted about the name proposal on Facebook last week and invited people “familiar with the area” to complete a short online survey to register their take on it.
The Facebook post said the ministry “will also consult with local Indigenous communities, municipalities and organizations for their input.”
The island in question lies east of the larger Galt Island and west of Allans Island.
“There is a rich history in this area of families living, working, and thriving on our bodies of water,” said Kenora Coun. Lindsay Koch on Monday in an email. “I think it’s special for them to have this history reflected in this way, whether it’s a family name or something otherwise meaningful.
“Moreover, names that are commonly used for islands that can be reflected on navigation aids such as maps ... will help those who spend time on our lakes and rivers, and those who are newer to this, navigate these more successfully.”
The survey at engage.ontario.ca closes Jan. 22.
The board is also putting forward a name suggestion for an island on the Winnipeg River northwest of the city. Minor Island is the suggestion for an island near Wet Island.
