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.
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."
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!