Street Naming

The City of Yellowknife maintains a policy such that any new residential municipal streets shall be named after Yellowknife citizens who have made a significant contribution to the community. Streets are named under a policy as approved by City Council.

Any person can use the Street Naming Application Form to propose a name for consideration on future streets within Yellowknife. The application should include the proposed name and brief but complete background information on the proposed name.

Street Naming Application Form

Existing Street Names in Yellowknife

A listing of all current street names within Yellowknife is provided below. New names must be distinct from existing names to assist with navigation. You can review the list to ensure you are not requesting a name that has already been allocated to a street.

Current Street Names

Criteria for Street Naming

It is the policy of the Council of the City of Yellowknife that:

All streets, parks and trails shall be named either:

after individuals who have made a significant positive contribution to the history of Yellowknife; or
to reflect the culture or history of the City or surrounding neighborhood; or
by theme, i.e.

i. Geographically significant locations in the Northwest Territories;

ii. Geographical location of the street, park or trail;

iii. Natural or geological features proximate to the street, park or trail

Where street names in a neighbourhood or subdivision are based on a specific theme, the name of all new streets within the neighbourhood or subdivision shall be consistent with the theme.

How is a New Street Named?

Members of the public submit names to be considered for the naming of new streets within the municipality. These submissions are maintained on a list which the Street Naming Committee refers to when selecting street name. The Street Naming Committee is comprised of one representative from each of the following City departments:

Office of City Clerk
Public Works and Engineering
Community Services
Fire Chief
Planning and Development

The Committee will select a name from the Street Names Inventory and submit it to Council for their approval. Final decision will remain with Council on which names to select.

Renaming a Street?

The general policy is that the names of streets and lanes should not be changed. The renaming of a specific street or park should only be considered in exceptional circumstances; when it will improve the City’s administration of essential services; or would be in the public’s best interest.

This is meant to be an extremely high standard, as there are considerable negative impacts to residents and businesses if their street is renamed.

What Happens When Street is Named?

Upon naming a street, it is the practice of the City to forward a copy of the Street Naming By-law and a street sign to the appropriate family recognized through the street naming procedure.

Who do I Contact for More Information About Street Naming?

You may contact the Office of the City Clerk by phone at (867)920-5646 or by email at cityclerk@yellowknife.ca.