Poppies on Barrie street signs led councilors in several directions this week.

In the end, after 37 minutes of discussion Wednesday night, the council dealt with placing poppies on current traffic signs, the spelling of street names and the future of honoring veterans on traffic signs .

“It’s important that we get it right, whether it’s spelling or recognition. Let’s not leave anyone behind,” Coun said. Sergio Morales.

Council approved a greatly amended motion to have city staff address the replacement and/or addition of a poppy to the Coleman Drive and Ruffet Drive street signs, and review the feasibility of changing the street sign from Mailey Lane to Maley Lane and Higgins Court. to Higgins Court, including any costs residents may incur if a name change is made, and inform Heritage Barrie.

All of those streets are on the west end of Barrie.

City staff will also review the list of street signs, commemorating veterans who do not have a street named after them, and any additional streets identified, and report to Heritage Barrie to report names to be added to the registry of street names. put veterans’ names on street signs as quickly as possible.

The Council heard it could be up to 16 names.

Mailey Lane and Higgin Court are simply misspelled, but could be fixed by putting a poppy on their street signs.

“I think it’s important to have correct spelling,” Coun said. Gary Harvey. “Not all family members can appreciate the fact that they are being honored, especially when incorrect spelling is associated. Doing things right is important to honor them properly.”

Fixing and changing the spelling of Maley Lane and Higgins Court, which honor veterans, would affect 24 homes, the council heard, on those two streets.

“(If) we have to cover the cost to do this right, I really don’t love it. However, I don’t know what the stories of these veterans are,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall. “They may or may not have returned home.

“And it’s very difficult for me to go to the homeowners and tell them: either you’re going to have the wrong name on your house now… or you’re going to have to pay to have that (street name) changed. “he added.

Street name changes may affect posted addresses on homes, mail, stationery, identification, etc.

“Closing the gate when the horses have run is a problem,” said Deputy Mayor Robert Thomson. “If it’s not the correct spelling of the veteran, perhaps we shouldn’t consider the poppy.”

Barrie’s street naming policy always considers veterans, but also works to avoid duplication or similarity of names to avoid any confusion among firefighters, ambulances or police on emergency calls.

“Street names go through a rigorous process and review,” said City Clerk Wendy Cooke.

This motion is not expected to be implemented before November 11, Remembrance Day, which honors veterans with poppies.