Now that the Pratt Street Subdivision is almost complete, a couple of streets need names. At this week’s public meeting Corner Brook city council decided what to call Street A which has a cul de sac and Street B, a short road. Four names were short-listed to choose from and “Webb Place,” and “Kinu” were approved. Councillor Sherry Dean explained the significance of both names. Mary Webb is remembered for her role as a Mi’kmaw midwife and healer. She’s known for assisting with the births of approximately 700 babies in communities throughout the region. Kinu – “we” or “us” in Mi’kmaw. The use of Kinu, meaning “we/us” provides an opportunity to incorporate Mi’kmaw language into the community and recognize Indigenous culture and heritage through municipal place naming.
Aaron O’Brien is the Assistant Director of Engineering, Development and Operational Services. He explains what happens next. The name will be referenced against other communities to ensure there is no duplication of the name which could impact emergency or other delivery services. Then, it will go back to the developer for registration.
Councillor Donna Luther highlighted that it was a tough choice. Other names considered included Bellaventure, a ship used during the 1914 Newfoundland sealing disaster as a rescue ship and Sylvester, after Sylvester Joe, a Mi’kmaw guide who in 1822, accompanied William Eppes Cormack on his expedition across Newfoundland.
