Street Names

What’s in a Name?

One of the most important clues to the history of an area comes from street names. Every street has one, but where do they come from? And what do they tell us about the past?

The policy of naming public streets within the Town of Carleton Place has gone through several phases over approximately 200 years.

When Morphy’s Falls became a settlement, the public roads that were established were named after prominent people and families within the community. Morphy, Bell, Rosamond, Moffatt and McCrostie Streets are examples of this. Later, streets were added and named for local features such as Lake Avenue, Bridge Street and Franktown Road.

During the latter part of the 19th century, public street names tended to reflect the Victorian Era. Examples of street names from this period include: Victoria, King, Queen, Prince and Princess Street.

Since the early 1970’s, the Corporation of the Town of Carleton Place has followed the policy of naming the public streets after former heads of Council.

Names of new public streets within Carleton Place are also chosen from the list of names on the Cenotaph at Memorial park.

Many buildings in town still display the blue and white enamel street signs produced at the local Findlays Foundry. Look for them as you explore Carleton Place!

Click on the link below to learn more about Carleton Place street name origins!

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