'My Name Is…' contest winners were announced Saturday

The development at the former Schneiders plant in Kitchener will be taking on the name of its founder.

"The Metz" was the winning name in the "My Name Is..." contest, which was sponsored by the developer, London-based Auburn Developments.

Madelyn Braun of Kitchener chose the winning name and was awarded a $10,000 cash prize at the unveiling event on Saturday afternoon.

Metz was the middle name of John (J.M.) Schneider, who founded Schneiders in 1886.

“Auburn Developments is committed to upholding the Schneiders legacy through the creation of this new community. The winning names speak to the history of the Schneiders landmark - a mainstay in the community that played a significant role in the lives of residents and neighbours in Kitchener and beyond.” President of Auburn Developments, Jamie Crich said in a release.

"The Metz" will be a mixed-used development comprised of low, mid and high-rise housing options, as well as affordable housing.

There will also be retail/commercial space, plazas and parks.

The Schneiders plant, which stood on Courtland Avenue for over 90 years, closed in 2015.

Below are the other winners of the "My Name Is..." contest:

Main street name: Olde Fashioned Way

Contest winner: Mike Emrich of Kitchener, awarded $2,500

Development name runner-up: Metz District

Contest winner: Amy Furtado of Kitchener, awarded $1,000

Development name runner-up: The Metz District

Contest winner: Michael Hogan of Kitchener, awarded $1,000

Auburn added an additional prize for the naming of the development's public square, which will be called JM Schneider Platz, a combined name made up from two separate entries. David Voogd of Elmira and Nathan Hause of Kitchener, were each awarded $500.

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic was also on hand to make the cheque presentations.