Street names are an important part of the city. They tell stories about the people, places, and events that make Winnipeg special.
You can help shape Winnipeg’s neighbourhoods by suggesting names for streets. These names can honour local heroes, celebrate community history, or support new developments.
How to request a street name
You can request a street name in three ways, depending on your goal. Each option has its own steps and requirements.
New street names can be added to the street name reserve list after receiving Community Committee approval. This list is used when new streets are created.
Names added to the street name reserve list may be used by developers, but not all names are guaranteed to be selected.
Street names can be changed if there is a strong reason and support from people who live or work on the street. This process is important because renaming can:
- Confuse emergency and delivery services
- Cost money to update signs and records
- Affect residents and businesses
- Erase historical meaning
Renaming must be approved by the applicable Community Committee or Standing Policy Committee.
An honourary name can be added to a street to recognize a person, group, or event for up to 10 years. This name appears on a sign but does not replace the official street name. The honourary name must be approved by the applicable Community Committee or Standing Policy Committee.
- Submit a letter to ldapplications@winnipeg.ca explaining your request
- Staff will guide you through the street naming process and advise what criteria must be met
- The fee for street naming will be invoiced after the letter is accepted and processed
Street naming guidelines
Names must follow the rules in the Street Names By-law 115/2011. Guidelines for naming streets are contained in Appendix A of the by-law.
Fees & charges
Street naming fees are listed in section 5.1 General Planning in the Planning, Development and Building Fees and Charges
How to choose a meaningful street name
Choose a name that means something to the community. It could:
- Honour someone who helped the city
- Celebrate local history or nature
- Show the diversity of Winnipeg
- Keep names short (20 letters or less)
- Use full names only if needed
- Nicknames or titles are okay if they make the name more special
Names should be for people who have a strong connection to Winnipeg.
If the person is alive, get their permission. If not, check with their family or community.
- Not all names on the list will be used
- Developers can choose names from the list or suggest their own
- Only a few names are picked each year
- Street names cannot use any part of an existing street name