The Windsor-Essex branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association wants to change the unofficial name of a popular toboggan hill in Windsor.
The hill in Little River Park has been unofficially called Suicide Hill for many years.
“We believe the time is now to officially name this hill with a proper name,” said Director of Communications and Health Promotions Kim Willis, “Since research indicates glorifying or celebrating suicide can be detrimental to the work we are doing in education and prevention.”
The CMHA indicates around 4,000 Canadians die by suicide every year.
“We must be aware of outdated language used in media, in everyday lives, and even in unofficial situations, if we are going to change the conversation around suicide,” said Willis.
The organization is collecting ideas for a new name for the hill on its website until June 18. At that time the top five submissions will be shared with the community to vote on the name. This name will be shared with Windsor City Council with a recommendation to adopt the new name officially.
The winning submission will also be awarded $100.