Help Rename the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal!

Friends of the Chicago River is thrilled to share the five proposed new names for the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal—one of which we hope will replace the current name and remove “sanitary” from the title.

The names were unveiled last week at a news conference with U.S. Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago as well as other regional officials and leaders as part of the Bold Past–Bright Future campaign to redefine the canal as a place where people, businesses, and nature thrive together for generations to come.

Cast your vote for your favorite name!

The proposed names are:

  • Chicago–Lockport Canal
  • Chicago Portage Canal
  • Chicago Shipping Canal
  • Illinois Prairie Canal
  • Southwest Canal

Cast your vote

The new names were developed through a months-long public engagement process reflecting the canal’s function, history, natural character, and location. Participants included members of the public, Native American tribal representatives, historians, conservationists, local residents and leaders, artists, elected officials, business representatives, industry professionals, and academics.

Among the dignitaries unveiling the news names with Congressman Bill Foster and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District President Kari K. Steele, Lemont Mayor John Egofske, Summit Mayor Sergio Rodriguez, Chicago Park District General Superintendent Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, Kevin Schnoes, deputy director of Cook County’s Environment and Sustainability Department (on behalf of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle), Derek Egan of Northern Marine, and Friends’ Executive Director Margaret Frisbie.

The announcement also marked the 125th anniversary of the river’s reversal, celebrating its historic role in protecting public health and ensuring safe drinking water.

To find out more about the campaign and vote on the new names, please visit boldpastbrightfuture.org and on WTTW. 

(The option to keep the original name is also included in the voting.)