A popular beach in Chatham-Kent will be getting a new name.
Municipal council unanimously approved renaming Dover Beach to Mitchell's Bay beach on Monday night.
Its current name reflects the beach's location in the former Township of Dover, which was part of the amalgamation of Chatham-Kent 25 years ago.
As part of an online survey that was posted to Lets Talk Chatham-Kent, the change has been brought forward for continuity and branding reasons, but also for safety reasons, as emergency responders will know exactly where to go.
According to the survey, public comments were overwhelmingly in favour of renaming the beach, with 40 of the 45 respondents indicating they were for the name change.
"Mitchell's Bay best describes the community where the beach is located," read a comment from the report. "Signage directing residents and tourists to the community is already in place. The name change will reduce confusion."
Another comment said it only made sense to refer to the beach as the locals do.
"I am shocked this wasn't addressed whenever it first came into being and now," read the comment.
Although many residents participating in the online survey were for the name change, others were not.
One comment said, "it's fine the way it is."
"Not totally understanding the change and the cost of changing the name," read a comment. "I think our money can be better spent than on these types of considerations."
The current signage at the beach is in need of replacement. The cost of the replacement sign is approximately $1,300 and will be covered under the existing budget for park signage.
