Naming Policy

• Purpose
• Scope
• Underlying Principles
• Policy Statement
• Accountability
• Related Legislation and City Policies
• Related Library Policies
• Definition of Terms
• Contact
• Appendix 1

Effective Date: May 26, 2014

Revised: March 24, 2025

Purpose

This policy establishes the approval process and types of eligible names for Toronto Public Library branches, rooms, programs, and collections.

Scope

This policy applies to the naming of Toronto Public Library ("TPL" or the "Library") branches, rooms, programs and collections.

This policy includes criteria for naming based on:

• geographic location, function or subject;
• commemoration of individuals and communities of significance;
• naming in recognition of individual donors; and
• naming as part of a corporate sponsorship agreement

Other types of donor recognition beyond naming is out of scope of this policy.

Underlying Principles

This Policy is driven by principles defined in the Library's Values, Vision and Mission and in TPL's Equity Statement and Intellectual Freedom Statement.

This Policy builds on TPL's history of naming branches, rooms, programs and collections for their geographic location, function, or subject or in recognition of an individual or in association with a donation or sponsorship.

Policy Statement

1. General

   Names of branches, rooms, programs and collections will not:

   • 1.1 Be or be perceived to be discriminatory or derogatory of race, colour, ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, creed, political affiliation, disability or other social factors;
   • 1.2 Result in unsuitable names or names that are inconsistent with the Library's Service Delivery Model and approach to delivering effective library services;
   • 1.3 Result in inappropriate abbreviations or acronyms;
   • 1.4 Unduly detract from the character, integrity of the community or aesthetic quality of the asset or unreasonable interference with its enjoyment or use; or
   • 1.5 Place the Library in conflict with any agreements established in the acquisition or management of the branch, room, collection or program.

2. Authority and approval

   • 2.1 The Toronto Public Library Board (the "TPL Board") is responsible for approving the naming of all branches.
   • 2.2 The TPL Board is responsible for approving the names of rooms, programs and collections where there is a commemorative name or a name in recognition of a donor or sponsor.
   • 2.3 This includes responsibility for approving the terms and conditions and amount of any donation or sponsorship.
   • 2.4 The naming process is intended to be transparent. If the TPL Board approves a name in a closed session at its meeting, the details of the name, including the terms and conditions of the agreement, will be made public at an appropriate time.
   • 2.5 The City Librarian, at their discretion, may request that the TPL Board establish a Naming Committee to review naming proposals and make recommendations to the TPL Board.
   • 2.6 No commitment regarding naming will be made to an individual or corporation prior to the TPL Board's approval of the name.

3. Naming of Branches

   • 3.1 Selection of branch names will strive to reduce confusion and result in easy location of branches for customers, and will avoid duplication of another named City Property without prior agreement of the City.
   • 3.2 Branch names shall not impair the ability of First Responders (including Toronto Fire Services, Toronto Police Service, and Toronto Paramedic Services) to respond to emergencies.
   • 3.3 The Ward Councillor will be informed about potential names for branches in their Ward.

4. Naming based on geographic location, function or subject

   • 4.1 The Library will give priority to naming branches after their geographic location, either the community or the street location where it is situated. Alternatively, consideration will be given to naming, where appropriate, after the type of service or function offered at that branch.
   • 4.2 The Library will give priority to naming rooms after the branch where it is located together with the function of such a room.
   • 4.3 The Library will give priority to naming parts of its collection after the subject matter of the collection.
   • 4.4 The Library will give priority to naming its programs after the program's function, content, and presenters.

5. Commemorative Naming

   • 5.1 Potential commemorative names will be considered based on alignment with the City of Toronto's Guiding Principles for Commemoration (Appendix 1).
   • 5.2 Potential commemorative names for branches will be considered after an individual whose contribution to the Library or the City of Toronto is well documented and is widely recognized and valued.
   • 5.3 Potential commemorative names for rooms will be considered in honour of a Toronto Public Library Board member, TPL staff member or any individual who has made an exceptional contribution to TPL or to the City of Toronto.
   • 5.4 When a room is named after an individual, it should contain both the name of the individual and the function of the room.
   • 5.5 Potential commemorative names for collections will be considered in honour of an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the vision, development, community outreach for and promotion of a collection.
   • 5.6 When a collection is named after an individual, it should contain both the name of the individual and a description of the subject matter.
   • 5.7 Potential commemorative names for programs will be considered in honour of an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the vision, development, community outreach for and promotion of a program.
   • 5.8 When a program is named after an individual, it should contain both the name of the individual and a description of the program.
   • 5.9 The Library is committed to the meaningful co-creation of Indigenous commemorations with the TPL Indigenous Advisory Council, Indigenous rights holders, Elders, and knowledge holders, language carriers, and community members. Proposed names in an Indigenous language or Commemorative Name recognizing an Indigenous individual, organization, event or concept will require consultation with Indigenous communities and adherence to appropriate Indigenous practices or protocols.
   • 5.10 Prior to confirming a commemorative name, the Library will conduct a screening assessment to assess the reputation of the individual or group whose name will be used and the effect that an affiliation will have on the Library's public image.
   • 5.11 Proposals for commemorative names will be considered provided that at least two years have passed since the individual's death, or after the individual has been separated from the Library for two years.
   • 5.12 Naming or renaming a branch, program, room or collection on behalf of an individual, event or organization requires the written consent of the named party or the named party's representative, where the individual is deceased.
   • 5.13 In circumstances where consent has not been received, the TPL Board, in the absence of any refusal to provide consent or legal concerns, may approve the name if it is satisfied that reasonable efforts have been made to obtain consent.

6. Naming Opportunities involving Donations or Sponsorships

   • 6.1 The Library will consider naming branches, rooms, programs or collections after a donor in recognition of significant financial gifts, or gifts in kind, to the Library.
   • 6.2 The Library will consider naming rooms, programs or collections as part of a corporate sponsorship proposal in recognition of significant financial contribution to the Library. Naming of branches will not be considered for corporate sponsorship.
   • 6.3 Prior to solicitation of sponsors or donors for naming opportunities, the naming component and framework must receive concept approval from the City Librarian or their delegate.
   • 6.4 The donation or sponsorship shall constitute a significant portion of the total cost of the branch, room, program or collection to be named.
   • 6.5 The associated sponsorship shall be commensurate with the market value of the naming opportunity as identified by the Toronto Public Library Foundation.
   • In reviewing a request for naming related to a donation or sponsorship, consideration will be given to:
     • whether the initiative could proceed without the donation or sponsorship;
     • the urgency of the need for the initiative;
     • the distinction, reputation and integrity of the individual or corporation whose name will be used; and
     • the relationship of the individual or corporation to the Library.
   • 6.7 Prior to engaging in a donation or sponsorship naming agreement, the Library or the TPL Foundation will conduct a risk screening assessment to assess the reputation of the potential sponsor or donor, the nature of the sponsor's business and the effect that an affiliation with that sponsor or donor will have on the Library's public image.
   • 6.8 Any naming opportunities as part of a sponsorship arrangement will also comply with the TPL's Sponsorship policy.
   • 6.9 All naming agreements will be in the form of a legal contract. Names for a donor or sponsorship must be for a fixed term, and must not exceed the useful life of the asset. Any extensions or renewals must be approved by the TPL Board. In exceptional circumstances, names without a fixed term may be considered with approval of the TPL Board.
   • 6.10 Names cannot be transferred or assigned without TPL Board approval. Where a donor or sponsor requests a change to the name, the name may, with the consent of the Library and at the expense of the donor or sponsor, be modified to reflect the new name.
   • 6.11 While the physical display of the name may be negotiated, such recognition must not unduly detract from the character, integrity, aesthetic quality or safety of the asset or unreasonably interfere with its enjoyment or use.
   • 6.12 In developing naming agreements, the Library and the TPL Foundation will ensure that donors and sponsors do not have any influence on the design or objectives of Library branches, rooms, programs, and collections.

7. Renaming of Branches, Rooms, Programs or Collections

   • 7.1 Opportunities for renaming may arise when a branch or room is redeveloped or renovated and will be utilized for a different purpose. Should a branch or room be replaced or substantially renovated, or the use of an area be re-designated, the renaming of the branch or room may be considered.
   • 7.2 Should there be a substantial change to a collection or program, the renaming of the collection or program may be considered.
   • 7.3 Renaming will be subject to any terms and conditions set out in any donation or sponsorship agreement related to the prior naming opportunity, where applicable.
   • 7.4 Appropriate recognition of previous donors or commemorative names may be included in the new or renovated branch or room, or the re-designed collection or program.
   • 7.5 When renaming occurs and the original naming opportunity was after an individual, all reasonable effort will be made to inform, in advance, the individual and/or their immediate family.

8. Change in Circumstances

   • 8.1 The Library reserves the right to review the names of its branches, rooms, programs and collections periodically.
   • 8.2 If, at any time following the approval of a naming opportunity, circumstances change substantially such that the continued use of a particular name may compromise the public trust and/or reputation of the Library, the Library Board may withdraw the naming opportunity or discontinue use of the name.
   • 8.3 The sponsorship or donor agreement will contain a clause that reflects this.
   • 8.4 The Library may also decide to discontinue the use of a name of a discrete collection or program in situations where it no longer is practical to maintain such collections or programs. This change will be subject to any terms and conditions set out in any related sponsorship or donation agreement in place.

9. Cost

   • 9.1 In any proposal for naming a program or collection in honour of a donor or non-donor honoree (where a donation is made in honor or memory of an individual), consideration should be given to the establishment of an endowment sufficient to sustain the program or collection for its term or lifetime.
   • 9.2 The cost associated with commemorative names and naming opportunities without a donation or sponsorship, including the renaming of facilities, will be clearly disclosed to the Board for their consideration when making a decision on such a request.
   • 9.3 In the case of naming opportunities associated with a donation or sponsorship, the recognition will be cost effective.

Accountability

The Director, Policy, Planning and Performance Management has responsibility for this policy.

As the TPL Board is required to comply with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), any personal information collected, used, disclosed and stored by the Library and the TPL Board pursuant this Policy will adhere to MFFIPA requirements.

Related Library Policies

• City of Toronto Commemorative Framework

Related Library Policies

• Sponsorship Policy

Definition of Terms

A Commemorative Name is a name assigned to commemorate one or more individuals, communities, organizations, events, or ideas of significance to Toronto, Ontario or Canada. Names in an Indigenous language and/or that recognize Indigenous Peoples' past, present, and future presence on the land are treated as commemorative for the purposes of this policy.

A Donation is a philanthropic gift or arrangement where a donor, generally either an individual, estate, or philanthropic foundation, donates cash and/or in-kind goods or services to the Library. Donations are eligible for a tax receipt. In the case of philanthropic donations from a corporation, while most donors expect some form of recognition as a result of their gift, the recognition is marginal in value relative to the value of the gift as defined by the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. Where the recognition is significant enough that it provides a commercial advantage, this would be considered a sponsorship as defined below.

Donor recognition is the practice of appreciating and promoting the support and contributions of donors to TPL. Donor recognition may take many forms, including acknowledgement letters, newsletter, website or social media recognition, a donor recognition wall or digital display, recognition plaques and naming opportunities.

A room is any discrete space within a Library facility which may include theatres, meeting rooms, or program rooms, as well as outdoor spaces, alcoves and atriums, etc.

A Sponsorship is a mutually beneficial business exchange between the Library and a corporate organization whereby the sponsor contributes funds and/or in-kind contributions to the Library in return for commercial advantage including naming, recognition, acknowledgement or other promotional considerations such as publicity, merchandising opportunities, etc. Because of these marketing benefits, a sponsorship does not qualify for a tax receipt.

Appendices

• City of Toronto's Guiding Principles for Commemoration

Contact

• Director, Policy, Planning and Performance Management

Appendix 1

City of Toronto's Guiding Principles for Commemoration

The City of Toronto's Guiding Principles for Commemoration encourage greater equity and inclusion in placemaking, and promote a broader understanding of history and its legacy on communities.

Proposals to commemoratively name or rename a street or City Property must demonstrate how they meet the City's Guiding Principles for Commemoration. The six guiding principles for commemoration are:

1. Be informed by historical research, traditional knowledge and community insights: Proposals for commemorative street names, property names or monuments must be grounded in sound historical and/or community-based research that is carefully and ethically undertaken. Research should consider a range of primary and secondary sources, including peer-reviewed historical research where possible. Proposals could also be based on oral histories and traditional knowledge to provide an authentic, local account of Toronto's history, and reflect community stories that may not be documented in other historical sources.
2. Be supported by communities through meaningful engagement: Proposals for commemorations must include evidence of demonstrated community support, taking into account the broad range of voices, perspectives and experiences of local residents and impacted communities. Evidence of community support could include letters of support, petitions or feedback from in-person or virtual community meetings.
3. Honour Indigenous ways of knowing and being: This principle will guide how subjects of significance to Indigenous Peoples are commemorated in public spaces. Through this principle, the City commits to the meaningful co-creation of Indigenous commemorations with Indigenous rights-holders, Elders, knowledge holders, language carriers and community members and honouring traditional Indigenous practices and protocols as part of the process – for example, by inviting Elders to walk the land and to offer ceremony.
4. Prioritize commemorations significant to Indigenous Peoples, Black communities and equity-deserving groups: Like in many North American cities, most commemorations in Toronto have celebrated the city's colonial history. This principle seeks to address the historic imbalance of who or what has been recognized in the City's public spaces by prioritizing proposed commemorations that share the stories of underrepresented groups in new commemorations. This includes recognizing the contributions of Indigenous Peoples, Black communities and equity-deserving groups, such as racialized people, including Asian and South Asian communities; 2SLGBTQ+ community members; immigrants, refugees, undocumented migrants; women; youth; people with low incomes; and persons with disabilities.
5. Connect to Toronto, Ontario or Canada's histories and cultures: The subjects of proposed commemorative street names, property names and/or monuments must have a clear connection to Toronto, Ontario or Canada's histories and cultures.
6. Share knowledge and stories behind commemorations: When something is being commemorated, it is important to tell the story of why. To help engage residents in conversation about our shared history, new commemorations will include an educational component wherever possible. This could include signage and plaques, QR codes, digital resources, community dialogues or interactive events.

Note: Indigenous Peoples, include:

• First Nations
• Inuit
• Métis

Black communities, include:

• African
• African-Canadian
• Afro-Caribbean

Equity-deserving groups, include:

• Racialized people (e.g., East Asian, South Asian, Southeast Asian, West Asian, Indo-Caribbean, Arab, Middle Eastern, Latin American)
• Newcomers (e.g., immigrants and refugees who have recently arrived in Toronto, refugee claimants, temporary residents, and undocumented persons)
• Persons with disabilities
• Women
• Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer+ communities
• Youth
• Persons with low income