QUESTIONS / ANSWERS - S---W Cap Community
Where is S---W Cap?
S---W Cap Mountain is located southwest of Campbellton, Restigouche County, near the New Brunswick – Quebec border. The community of S---W Cap is located near the base of the mountain from which it takes its name. A protected natural area was created which encompasses the mountain and uses its name as an identifier.
Why is the Province changing the name?
Concerns about the name being derogatory have been raised by provincial government and First Nations leadership, as well as the public.
What does changing the name mean for my community?
Community and road signs bearing the name “S---W Cap” will be replaced. Postal and civic addresses will change to reflect the new name.
How much will these changes cost me?
Residents of S---W Cap who currently receive mail in the community will have their mail forwarded at no cost for up to one year.
What other changes will be required?
Residents will be notified of the change and its effective date by mail. Residents will be responsible to update their address on all personal documents including Medicare, Driver’s Licence, etc.
What happens after I submit a name?
Once the 28-day public consultation period has ended on June 6, 2023, the Province will evaluate each name (see below) that is submitted and select one or more for further consideration. A survey will be mailed to all residents with civic addresses in S---W Cap so that they can provide their input on the community name. The results of this survey will be evaluated by the Government of New Brunswick, and once a decision has been made, residents will be notified by mail.
What criteria does the Province use to select a name?
New Brunswick uses the Principles and Procedures for Geographical Naming in Canada to evaluate potential place names. This document provides guidelines and best practices for the naming of geographic features and communities.
Each name that is submitted will be reviewed through the lens of the Principles and Procedures. Names that meet the criteria of Principles and Procedures will be recommended for additional research by subject matter experts (e.g., historians, linguists). Review by regulatory agencies will also be undertaken to ensure potential names do not have implications for public safety (i.e., similar sounding names in an area may create confusion for emergency responders).
Are there any names that will not be considered?
The following types of names will not be considered:
- Derogatory, discriminatory, or divisive names.
- Names that are significant to a particular group AND are not relevant to the feature or region.
- Commemorative names, except in certain instances (see below).
- Names that duplicate existing features or community names in New Brunswick.
- Names that conflict with existing administrative or public safety requirements.
Can I submit the name of a family member or a prominent resident?
The Principles and Procedures do not recommend giving a personal name to a feature, except where the name would be considered to be in the public interest. In those cases, the following criteria are considered:
- Features should not be named after living people. A commemorative name should only be considered five years posthumously.
- The person has a strong connection to the feature or region.
- There is local support for the commemorative name beyond a single public interest group.
- Commemorative names are not recommended to mark the location of accidents or tragedies.
- Current or former ownership of land does not entitle naming rights.
What information do I need to provide to submit a name for the features?
Required:
- The proposed name (please ensure the correct spelling is provided).
- Optional (but recommended):
- The reason you are submitting the name.
- The origin and meaning of the proposed name.
- References supporting the proposed name, including historic maps or documents, a letter of support or the contact information of experts (e.g., historians, linguists, traditional knowledge holders) willing to support a proposed name.
How will I be notified of the results?
The Province will make a formal public announcement on the new name for the mountain and associated protected natural area once a decision has been made.
Community residents will be notified of the decision and new community name by mail. Information will be provided on the effective date of the change and next steps.
Will an announcement for the mountain, protected natural area and community be made at the same time?
No. The implementation of a community name change requires more steps than renaming a natural feature (e.g., civic address changes, notification of emergency services). Therefore, an announcement on the mountain/protected natural area name may be made before a decision is made for the community.
Who do I contact if I have other questions?
If you have questions about the renaming process, you can email [email protected] with the subject “Renaming.”