A plan to rename the area in front of Kitchener City Hall for the city’s longest-serving mayor was given final approval Monday.

Councillors voted 8 to 3 in favour of renaming Civic Square, with Coun. Yvonne Fernandes, Coun. John Gazzola and Coun. Zyg Janecki opposed.

Among the reasons given by the trio voting against was that the public wasn’t given a chance to weigh in on the decision.

Most notable for its fountain in the summer months and ice rink in wintertime, the square plays host to numerous events and festivals.

Its renaming was first announced in November, following a closed-door meeting of councillors.

Zehr served as mayor of Kitchener from 1997 through 2014, opting not to run in October’s municipal election.