Voting is Closed - Stay Tuned
Voting has closed for the five proposed new names for the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, one of which we hope will replace the current one and rid the region of "Sanitary" to shine a light on how much the river has improved, and how much people want to use it and wildlife needs it. The naming process is part of a broader campaign to Redefine the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal as a place where people, business, and wildlife can thrive.
Voting is Closed
The new names voted on incldue:
- Chicago-Lockport Canal
- Chicago Portage Canal
- Chicago Shipping Canal
- Illinois Prairie Canal
- Southwest Canal
Based upon the themes that emerged from a months-long public engagement process, the names that were proposed reflect the function, history, natural, and location of the canal. Participants in the process included the public as well as Native American tribal representatives, historians, conservationists, residents and government leaders from canal corridor communities, artists, elected officials, business leaders, industry, government agency staff, and academia.
Knowledgeable and passionate speakers at a news conference introducing the new names in October included US Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11); Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Board President Kari Steele; Lemont Mayor John Egofske; Summit Mayor Sergio Rodriguez; Chicago Park District General Superintendent Carlos Ramirez-Rosa; Deputy Director Kevin Schnoes on behalf of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle; Derek Egan, Northern Marine; and Friends Executive Director Margaret Frisbie.
The event also celebrated the 125 anniversary of the river's reversal and its contributions to public health and safe drinking water.
To find out more about the campaign, please visit boldpastbrightfuture.org and on WTTW. The Bold Past-Bright Future Coalition also incuded the option to keep the original name in the voting.
