Halifax Transit wants your help naming its new ferry

This is your chance to show off your cleverness and creativity. Halifax Transit is asking Haligonians to submit names for its newest ferry, which will start operating in 2016.

"The sky is the limit, there are no limitations for the name," said Brendan Elliott, a spokesperson for the city.

Halifax Transit said in a news release it is looking for "appropriateness, originality, cultural significance and diversity" from submissions.

It has used similar contests to name other ferries. Craig Blakewas chosen by the public earlier this year to honour the first Canadian sailor killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan. In2014, Christopher Stannixwas picked for a ferry to honour the Nova Scotiasoldier killed in the same conflict.

Elliott said Halifax is a big military city andgroups start campaigning for certain names.

"It's a popularity contest," he said. "People choose the one they feel is most appropriate."

But contests can go wrong

It's an approach that's also gained popularityelsewhere.The new ferry that runs between Digby and Saint John was named the Fundy Rose earlier this year. Officials said it wasa combination of the top names submitted.

B.C. Ferries also held a naming contest this year, eventually choosing Salish Raven, Salish Orca and Salish Eagle for three new vessels.

However, that campaign initially backfired when people took to social media to vent about service and rising fares, suggesting names such as Queen of Delays and High Fees on the High Seas.

The new Halifax ferry, the sixth in the fleet, will carry passengerson one of the two Halifax-to-Dartmouth routes.

The contest is open until Dec. 13, and after that a short list will be released to Haligonians for a vote.

You can submit your suggestions at www.halifax.ca/surveys. The person who submits the winning name will win a one-year transit pass.