An alleyway on the north side of Whyte Avenue between 104 Street and 105 Street that was spruced up and transformed into a polka dotted urban corridor will be getting a name. CITYlab, the Old Strathcona Business Association and the Edmonton Naming Committee are inviting the public to submit their ideas on what to call the narrow backstreet, which was given a fresh new maze-like look over the weekend. 

The alleyway is located just north of Whyte Avenue between 104 and 105 Streets, image retrieved from Google Street View

City Council voted in July 2015 to convert the disused stretch of pavement, which is closed to vehicles, into a pocket public plaza. Crews temporarily painted the ground as a low-cost effort of beautifying the neighbourhood, and intrigued visitors showed up simply to stop, linger and interact with one another. The labyrinth theme is also expected to be a temporary measure until the City installs permanent seating along the alley.

As for the name, the City is seeking something meaningful to Edmontonians. "The perfect name might reflect a memory you have of the alleyway or the neighbourhood," says a City press release. "It could be something that reminds you of the alley, or what you hope it will mean to your community. The name could honour a special Edmontonian or a historical event." 

The alley is now painted in a labyrinth theme, image via City of Edmonton

Submissions will remain open until May 18th. Therafter, the Old Strathcona Business Association will shortlist the submitted names and the Naming Committee will choose a winner in the summer. Visit Name That Alley to enter your naming idea!