There is a definite appetite to change the City of Dryden name back to the Town of Dryden.
However, it won’t be happening any time soon after a motion to proceed was defeated in a 3-3 vote by Council last night. (Monday)
Voting in favour of moving towards the next step in the name change proposal included Mayor Greg Wilson, Dave McKay and Michelle Price.
John Carlucci is in support of the “Town” name, but voted against the move, stating it will slow down their re-branding and strategic planning process.
Martin MacKinnon and Shayne MacKinnon also voted “No”.
Norm Bush wasn’t in attendance.
Shayne MacKinnon has been strongly opposed to the move.
“It should have, at least, been involved in the re-branding right from the start of the planning. Also, we are undergoing a strategic plan and that should have been brought up during the strategic planning.
A staff report states “Throughout the recent consultation process for our municipal strategy plan development and re-branding initiative, a name change for the City of Dryden has not been a focus point in conversations or surveys.”
MacKinnon adds “When you’re making a change in a community that really affects the fabric of the community, I think that everyone in the community should be able to chime in.”
Staff warned Council that proceeding with a potential name change would cost a conservative $28,280 to start, plus another estimated $18,000 to $25,000 for public consultations.
Costs resulting from any changes due to re-branding were not factored in those estimates.
That includes changing and replacing signs as well as direct costs associated with replacing stationary such as business cards, printed letterhead, envelopes, and other items.
Staff also warned that it would take another three months of planning to set-up public consultations, tying up valuable staff time and resources.
They stated they don’t know the direct impact on businesses, organizations and residents and would need time to hear from them.
