Official procedures will begin in July to change the name of Toronto’s Dundas Street. Toronto City Hall staff recommended its change because of its namesake Henry Dundas who was linked to the Trans-Atlantic slave trade.

A report by Toronto City officials recommending the renaming of Dundas Street and all municipal assets bearing Dundas’ surname will be presented to the Executive Committee on July 6.

The process of renaming this street began in June 2020, when city officials received a petition signed by nearly 14,000 people calling for a street change. The receipt of this petition has led to a verification of how systemic racism and discrimination are embedded in names in the city. The petition has led to a wider debate on how public figures are honored throughout Toronto.

The review acknowledged that most of the Toronto ceremonies honored the stories of white male settlers in positions of power, which have led to historic imbalances, bypassing indigenous peoples, black communities, racial communities, women, LGBTQ2S + people, and other public groups.

According to the mayor of Toronto, now is the right time to give a voice to all the marginalized communities in the city and recognize the significant influence the past has had on life today.

City manager Chris Murray recommended that Dundas Street be renamed after academic research into Dundas’ role in abolition, which is in direct conflict with the City of Toronto’s values of equality and inclusion. The review aimed to confront racism against the black population and to promote truth and reconciliation with indigenous communities.

On Monday, June 28, Toronto Mayor John Tory said the petitions would not lead to automatic name changes. According to a review that the city has done, some 60 other street names across the city require further research, including at least 12 streets that commemorate slave owners.

According to Mayor Tory, the change must be made in a reasonable and practical manner to minimize its impact on local people and businesses.

After July 6, the City of Toronto Executive Committee will consider a proposal to rename Dundas Street, and then develop a plan with a broader framework to explore how public figures are commemorated in place names throughout the city of Toronto.

Residents wishing to express their views on this matter can submit their comments or ask to speak before a committee of the City Council, after visiting the website where they will find extensive information on how to do this: www.toronto.ca/legdocs/tmmis/have-your-say.htm.

Toronto is home to over 2.9 million people and is a mix of different cultures, races, beliefs and experiences. The diversity and use of the potential of everyone in the city make it Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the most diverse and friendly cities in the world.

Pic by Wojciech Wrona