Ross Avenue is named for both the Cree Ross family as well as for Captain Horatio Ross. The Ross family are long term members of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation and have made many contributions to it over the years. The Joe A. Ross elementary school was named in honour of one of their members.

Captain Horatio Ross is often described in accounts as a larger than life individual. At a young age Captain Ross sought adventure and left his Scotland home to voyage, bringing him to The Pas, Manitoba. In The Pas, Ross founded the Ross Navigation Company, operating river boats to transport people and goods throughout the week.