Name Change

Please note that the information provided below should be used as a guide and is not to be used as a substitute for the procedures set out in The Municipalities Act.

From time to time, a municipality or organized hamlet may wish to change its name.

Legislation

Section 66 of The Municipalities Act provides the authority for a municipality to apply for a name change.

Procedures

It is recommended that an public meeting be held to discuss the desire for a community to change its name.

Application

Once a decision to apply for a name change has been reached, the municipal council must pass a resolution and submit it to the ministry. The resolution should be accompanied by a letter setting out the reasons for the request and an outline of any public consultation that was undertaken.

Effects

After a review of the submission, if the Minister is of the opinion that the name of the community should be changed, the Minister may issue an order changing the name of the municipality.

Once an order is made for the name change:

1. notice of the name change will be published in the Saskatchewan Gazette;
2. any seal formerly used by the municipality continues to be the seal of the municipality until it is changed by council; and
3. the change of name does not affect any obligation, right, action, land, or improvements incurred, established, taken, or acquired before the change.

The application for name change should be addressed to:
The Minister of Municipal Affairs
c/o Municipal Advisory Services
410 – 1855 Victoria Avenue
REGINA SK S4P 3T2

Phone: (306) 787-8885
Fax: (306) 787-3641