It’s not really a boulevard, but that will soon be part of the new name for a section of Westminster Avenue East and Robinson Road.
Earlier this month, Penticton city council turned down the request to rename the section connecting Front Street and Nanaimo Avenue to Backstreet Boulevard. But after hearing from the few business owners along the strip, they reconsidered their decision and approved the name change.
Doug Guerard has owned his property on the tiny section of Westminster Avenue East for 30 years. He says the street name has been a source of frustration right from 1983 when he first opened Guerard’s Fine Furniture at the point where Westminster East turns into Robinson.
“There are not too many of us in this little corner of Penticton, we feel somewhat forgotten, but new businesses have moved in that now share the same problem. Our customers can’t find us, they have a hard time,” said Guerard, adding that he often receives phone calls asking where the shop is.
With new neighbours like Burger 55, Guerard felt the time was right to lobby for a name change.
“The name Backstreet Boulevard was put together by us, simply because it is the back of Front Street,” said Guerard. “With the new name, we think we can join in with the downtown revitalization spirit we are so happy to see moving along.”
Guerard admits there will be problems and costs associated with the name change, but thinks they are outweighed by the advantages of having a uniquely named street.
“To me Backstreet Boulevard conjures up a lot of curiosity and people will want to go down and find that new street,” he said.
Council’s vote was unanimous in favour of the name change, which will affect both Robinson Street and Westminster Avenue East between Front and Nanaimo. They did not include the portion of Robinson past Nanaimo, leaving it up to the business owners in that area.
“There may be others along Robinson Street who may want to join into this and request a name change for their particular section of Robinson as well, if they want to tag onto the Backstreet name,” said acting mayor Garry Litke.
