Beveren-Kruibeke-Zwijndrecht, a new municipality in East Flanders that is the result of a recent merger of three former municipalities, is once again looking for a new name. From 15 June, residents can submit proposals. There is, however, one condition: the new name must not contain the words ‘Beveren’, ‘Kruibeke’ or ‘Zwijndrecht’. That is how things went wrong last time, when the proposal ‘Beveren-Waas’ was rejected, after Zwijndrecht council threw it out.
What’s in a name? Quite a lot, apparently, because Beveren-Kruibeke-Zwijndrecht has already been through a long process, but after a year and a half, the municipality still has no new name. The working title Beveren-Kruibeke-Zwijndrecht is therefore still in use. But a long name like this is a bit of a tongue twister and everything but practical.
Voting from the age of 16
That is why the local council is now launching a new procedure to choose a new name. “From mid-June, residents will be able to submit suggestions,” says Mayor Marc Van de Vijver. “We will then draw up a list of 20 shortlisted names. A jury made up of members of advisory councils will narrow that list down to a top 5.”
"Next, all residents aged 16 and over will be able to create their own top 5. That will take place in September and October. The most popular name wins. By the end of this year, we will know which name that is."
The mayor is hoping for lots of suggestions. "Be creative, think about both the past and the future."
Beveren Waas got thumbs down
There is, however, one rule: ‘Beveren’, ‘Kruibeke’ or ‘Zwijndrecht’ must not appear in the proposal. There is a good reason for this rule: two years ago, the name ‘Beveren Waas’ was on the verge of being adopted, until the Zwijndrecht municipal council voted against it.
The city cabinet clearly does not want to repeat that mistake. “We are writing a new chapter and leaving the past behind us. So I am hoping above all for a name that unites, one that everyone can get behind.”
'Scheldewaas' no longer available
Does Mayor Van de Vijver have an opinion of his own? “Of course! But I’m not going to share it. Like everyone else, I’ll draw up my top five when the time comes.”
"Incidentally, the name I was actually most fond of is no longer available. “Scheldewaas” was my favourite, but the police zone has since been given that name. We’ll leave it at that, otherwise we’ll end up in a game of musical chairs with names.’
"So I’m waiting along with everyone else for the suggestions that will come in over the coming months. Over the past year, I’ve actually received quite a few suggestions – via text message, email, on the street… I’ve kept track of them all. They’ll definitely make it onto the list."