City Council voted to rename Dundas Street and other civic assets with the Dundas name in an effort to promote inclusion and reconciliation with marginalized communities
The adoption of this report furthers the City of Toronto's commitment to confronting anti-Black racism, advancing truth, reconciliation and justice, as well as building a more inclusive and equitable Toronto. The City is committed to taking steps to right wrongs, challenge systematic institutionalized racism and build a more inclusive Toronto for all, in keeping with the City’s motto Diversity our Strength. Addressing the historical legacy of Dundas Street is one of these steps, alongside the implementation of other Council-approved strategies to combat racism and discrimination.
Staff will report back to Executive Committee in Q2 2022 to bring forward potential new names for Dundas Street and other City-owned assets bearing the Dundas name. The renaming process will be led by a Community Advisory Committee made up of Black and Indigenous leaders and representatives from the diverse communities living and working along Dundas Street, including Business Improvement Areas and resident associations. The Committee will develop potential new names, as well as a transition plan to assist residents and businesses throughout the renaming process.
Council also approved the development of a commemorative framework that will inform a more inclusive, community-centred approach to naming and place-making. The framework will include guiding principles for how the City commemorates public figures and events in monuments, street and place names, and will set out a process for reviewing other assets in the future. Beginning in the fall, the City will engage in consultation with a diverse group of stakeholders and the general public for feedback on the development of the commemorative framework.
The recommendations adopted today were developed by a City staff working group that includes representatives from City divisions, the City’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit and Indigenous Affairs Office.
More information is available at www.toronto.ca/recognition-review and the report can be viewed at: http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2021.EX25.1
City Council’s decision requires the enactment of a confirmatory bylaw for the initiative to take effect.
Quotes:
"This recommendation is the right decision in our continuous path to building a Toronto that is inclusive, equitable and reflects the values of its diverse members. We acknowledge that this is just the first of many steps to come, but this a genuine step in the right direction of who we are and what we can be. The names of our public streets, parks, and monuments are a reflection of our values as Torontonians. I look forward to the work to come and continuing to build a Toronto for all.”
- Mayor John Tory
"Renaming Dundas Street is the right decision to move forward together towards a more inclusive and equitable Toronto. Renaming Dundas does not erase the past but is an important step forward in how we will shape our future. I look forward the continued work of staff in reviewing how people and events are commemorated in our city."
- Deputy Mayor Thompson
New measures come after Councillor Fletcher’s call for proactive enforcement in wake of recent maulings.
My spring newsletter is out! Plus: free compost this weekend & 2024 Environment Days.
Read my latest update on engagement and enforcement activities at Tommy Thompson Park and the Leslie Street Spit.
