Toronto one step closer to renaming Dundas Street

Jul 6 2021, 7:04 pm

The City of Toronto’s executive committee voted to rename Dundas Street on Tuesday.

That means the issue of renaming the downtown arterial road will go to a vote with city council on July 14.

The City is looking at renaming the street because of its namesake Henry Dundas’ connection to slavery.

Toronto’s City Manager released a report in June recommending a name change due to the “highly problematic” legacy of the Scottish politician who pushed back against efforts to abolish slavery in the British empire.

The report also recommended other city assets, such as Yonge-Dundas Square and Dundas Station, be renamed as well.

Mayor John Tory has previously said he supports finding a new name for Dundas Street.

“An objective reading of the history, the significance of this street which crosses our city, the fact Mr. Dundas had virtually no connection to Toronto and most importantly, our strong commitment to equity, inclusion and reconciliation make this a unique and symbolically important change,” Tory said on Monday.

If the name change is approved by City Council, the City will direct the City Manager to create a committee made up of Black and Indigenous leaders to seek input on potential new names for Dundas Street. The City expects a list of potential new names to come back to council by spring 2022.

Megan DevlinMegan Devlin

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