A new initiative called “Preserve Duck Lake” has been launched to safeguard the historical town’s name from potential renaming plans. The movement was sparked in response to the recent announcement by the mayor to auction off the naming rights of Duck Lake, a community of around 580 individuals situated approximately 80 kilometers northeast of Saskatoon.
The origins of Duck Lake’s name can be traced back to the First Nations people, who referred to a nearby water body as “See Seep SaKayegan,” highlighting the abundance of migrating ducks in the area during spring and fall seasons. Notably, Duck Lake holds significance as the pivotal location of the 1885 Battle of Duck Lake, a significant event during the Northwest Resistance led by Louis Riel.
Residents, led by Adam Carriere, have mobilized under the banner of Preserve Duck Lake to oppose the proposed naming rights sale. Their efforts include an online petition that has garnered hundreds of signatures as of Monday. The petition emphasizes the importance of preserving Duck Lake’s Métis heritage and identity, citing the town’s historical legacy as a crucial aspect to be upheld for future generations.
Carriere expressed concerns regarding the potential repercussions of a naming rights deal with a private entity, highlighting the risks of unfulfilled promises and the financial burden that could fall on taxpayers for signage changes and rebranding. The group is planning to present their campaign to the council and advocate for a community-wide vote on the matter.
Former mayor Denis Poirier, who served the town for over five decades, shared his support for the petition, emphasizing the deep-rooted connection between Duck Lake’s history and its residents. Poirier raised logistical challenges that a name change would impose on the community, including address modifications for residents and the associated costs that individuals would have to bear.
While the current mayor, Jason Anderson, defended the naming rights sale as a means to generate funds for essential infrastructure repairs, such as roads and water systems, he assured that any potential name alteration would be subject to a referendum among residents.
Marketing expert Marvin Ryder from McMaster University weighed in on the unusual proposal, noting that while selling town names is rare, it has been done in select instances in the United States. Ryder speculated that the mayor’s initiative could be motivated by a desire for publicity rather than a practical solution. He questioned the feasibility of the idea, suggesting that alternative avenues for supporting smaller communities with infrastructure projects should be explored.
Despite differing perspectives on the matter, the community remains united in their efforts to safeguard the heritage and identity encapsulated in the name of Duck Lake.
