Toronto Mayor John Tory has expressed his support over the initiative to rename Dundas Street. It is a measure that has grown in popularity based on a petition that was drafted in June 2020.
The petition is centred on global discussions about racial injustices, inequality, and anti-Black racism. It has led Toronto residents to criticize the monuments, street names, and buildings across the city that have ties to the slave trade and portray discrimination.
"This initial work demonstrates meaningful progress in the City’s efforts to advance truth, reconciliation and justice," Selina Young said, Director of Indigenous Affrairs in the City of Toronto. "Addressing the historical legacy of Henry Dundas is an important step towards healing, as well as honouring the City’s commitments to Indigenous place-making and place-keeping."
Since Henry Dundas was instrumental in delaying the abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, some people believe his name should not be present on Toronto streets.
Almost 14,000 signatures were in the petition, which led to a review by the City of Toronto. The review concluded that most commemorations in Toronto highlighted white men that were in positions of power.
Even with this acknowledgement, John Tory has stated that other petitions won't lead to quick name changes at Toronto's COVID-19 update Monday morning. Approximately 60 other street names – 12 of which honouring slave owners – have to be examined further before anything is decided.
Next week, the review of renaming Dundas Street will be taken into account by the City of Toronto's Executive Committee, reports CP24. A plan will also be mapped out in order to better assess public figures commemorated for the wrong reasons in the future.
"Creating safer city spaces that foster inclusivity and belonging, especially for the Black and Indigenous communities in Toronto, is an important undertaking that we take very seriously," City Manager Chris Murray said. "We understand that renaming streets or parks and monuments does not eliminate racism or discrimination, nor does it erase the past, but we are committed to taking steps to right wrongs in our mission to create a Toronto for everyone, for present and future generations."
The total cost of the renaming is estimated as ranging from $5.1 million to $6.3 million over two years, 2022 through 2023, a statement from the city reveals.
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