Toronto’s Dundas Street could soon be a thing of the past.
A report released today from the Toronto City Manager’s office recommends renaming the downtown street due to its namesake’s support of slavery.
The famous street was named after 18th century politician Henry Dundas, who delayed the abolition of slavery in Britain by 15 years.
The recommendation comes after a petition calling for the street to be renamed was signed by over 14,000 people.
The move to rename Dundas Street and other civic assets (i.e. Yonge-Dundas Square) of the same name comes in the wake of “discovery sessions, extensive academic research, and a review of over 400 global case studies,” the City said in a press release.
"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,” said Toronto Mayor John Tory.
The report will go before the Executive Committee on July 6. If it’s approved, it will be reviewed and approved by City Council before the name can be officially dropped.
