Yonge-Dundas Square is getting a new name that reflects the city’s commitment to tackling anti-Black racism, but some Torontonians disagree with the name change.
On Thursday, council voted 19-2 in favour of renaming Yonge-Dundas Square and 17-4 in favour of renaming Dundas Station and Dundas West Station.
The move comes following an online petition in the summer of 2020 that was put forward by nearly 14,000 community members calling for Dundas Street to be renamed in light of ongoing activism by Black, Indigenous and other racialized communities.
The petition asked to re-examine the controversial legacy of Henry Dundas, the 1st Viscount Melvile who is often criticized for delaying the abolition of slavery.
“The City of Toronto remains committed to confronting anti-Black racism, advancing truth, reconciliation and justice, and building a more inclusive and equitable City,” Mayor Olivia Chow said in a statement on Thursday.
After two years of discussion, the City’s Recognition Review Community Advisory Committee (CAC) unanimously selected the rename Yonge-Dundas Square as Sankofa Square.
“The concept of Sankofa, originating in Ghana, refers to the act of reflecting on and reclaiming teachings from the past, which enables people to move forward together,” the city’s press release read.
“This new name reflects the City’s commitment to taking steps to right wrongs, confront anti-Black racism and build a more inclusive Toronto for all,” it continued.
In addition, the city’s motion includes renaming Dundas Station by the fourth quarter of 2024 and renaming Dundas West Station within the TTC’s ten year-capital plan by 2025. The Toronto Public Library Board will also rename the Jane/Dundas Public Library by the third quarter of 2024.
“The City and TTC will work in consultation with Toronto Metropolitan University to rename Dundas Station and with advice from the Recognition Review Community Advisory Committee to rename Dundas West Station,” the release said.
The city will consider next steps to rename these assets in 2024. The current estimated cost for this project is $12.7 million.
REACTIONS FROM TORONTONIANS
In response to the name change, Torontonians are sharing their mixed reactions online with some saying they dislike the change.
Although some believe the name change is a waste of taxpayer dollars, others are commending the move and applauding the Ghanaian representation.
The Yonge-Dundas Square Board will report to city council on details related to the adoption of the new name by the end of the second quarter of 2024.
