What’s in a name? Everything, if you want to brand Kingston Road between Hannaford Street and Victoria Park to reflect its revitalization and the upscale stores and businesses that have opened in recent years.

Henceforth it will be known as Kingston Road Village.

The name was chosen through a contest organized by the Kingston Road Business Association and publicized in this newspaper. Here at Beach Metro News we were inundated with over 500 entries, many emphasizing local connections and history or combinations of street names.

The names were sent out to all those with businesses on Kingston Road, and a short list was drawn up from their preferences. When it came down to the wire, three selections stood out: Upper Beach Village, Village of East Toronto, and Kingston Road Village.

A group including dentist Jeff Shnall, the YMCA’s Monica Warner, Su Willson RMT, and the owners of Fred Sports, H.E.S. Designs, The Art of Cheese, Close to the Bone, and Sugarplum Sweet Creations met on June 18 for the final vote. After the merits of the finalists were considered, Kingston Road Village was the unanimous choice.

A dozen people had submitted the winning name. A draw was held from their entries, and Erika Lloyd’s name was picked. She received the prize of goods and services donated by local merchants and valued at $1,000.

Erika was not the only prizewinner. As part of the Kingston Road Spring Fest on June 7, a scavenger hunt was held. Contestants had to answer four questions about the area – information that could easily be found by walking the Hannaford to Victoria Park stretch. There were 10 correct entries, and prizes were awarded to Marg Gallo, James Pitropov, Ken Scott, Margot Niezgoda, Angela Carriere, Andrea Frankiss, Beckham Green, James Tessier, C. Reichert, and Karen Moll.