Much of Monday night's meeting in Council Chambers was focused on a motion brought forward by the Heritage Committee. 

On behalf of the committee, Councilor Crystal Froese said they were looking for approval to have the 7th Avenue Southwest bridge named after the Lakota people. Froese added that there are many structures and buildings in the city named after various tribes that call this area home; however, there is nothing dedicated to the Lakota name.  

The line was quickly drawn in the sand between councilors, especially after the state of the bridge was brought into the conversation.  

"I feel bad putting a name to honour, something, someone, some group on a structure that's not in very good repair," explained Councilor Heather Eby. "I know it's being used for pedestrians, I walk on it all summer long and it's lovely for pedestrians. I love it as a pedestrian bridge, but it's not in good shape."

Councilor Brian Swanson was singing a similar tune as Eby, saying that with the structure recently being downgraded to a walking bridge and the uncertainty of future repairs, he respectfully disagreed with the motion.

"I would hate to rename something that is still broken down and we're not sure what the future for that bridge holds. I can appreciate the recommendation coming forward, but there is a process we go through to rename things in the city."

Adding to that point, Councilor Dawn Luhning said that every other naming procedure has gone through a group designated to researching the history and bringing forward the appropriate information to Council to vote on. 

"I know there are a couple of other City facilities, Councilor Froese has mentioned that this bridge is owned by the City, but there are other City facilities (or) sporting parks that have been requested over the last couple of months that they be renamed and they have gone to a specific committee to look whether or not that is appropriate or not."

The motion was defeated on Monday night.