[thistleclub]

History marches on.

Rename Dundas Street, Yonge-Dundas Square, says city staff report
(Toronto Star, Jennifer Pagliaro, June 28 2021)

Dundas Street, Yonge-Dundas Square and more could be renamed within the year, with city staff recommending a process to strip the late Scottish lawyer’s name from public property.

The report, released Monday morning, will be considered by Mayor John Tory’s executive committee on July 6. A final decision will be made at council later that month.

In a strongly worded statement, Tory said he supported “carefully renaming” Dundas Street and other landmarks, including public parks that bear the name of Henry Dundas, a man said to have slowed the end of the slave trade and participated in the colonial structures that harmed Indigenous peoples.

“This is a moment in time when it is important to make a statement to the entire community about including those who have been marginalized and recognizing the significant effect past history can have on present day lives.”

Tory said the renaming is not “erasing history” — countering critics who have pushed back against the removing of statues, plaques and other colonial monuments.

“By proceeding with this change, we are sending a strong message as a city about who we collectively honour and remember in public spaces and we are reaffirming our commitment to addressing anti-Black racism and reconciliation with the Indigenous communities.”

The total cost of the renaming process, according to city staff, is estimated to be between $5.1 million and $6.3 million. Funding has not yet been identified.

City of Toronto backgrounder here.

More Tory:

"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."