Toronto’s metropolis council has determined to rename downtown Yonge-Dundas Sq..
Final Thursday, Councillor Chris Moisie tabled a movement, with the Mayor’s assist, to formally undertake the brand new identify “Sankofa Sq.” for Yonge-Dundas Sq. by the tip of the second quarter of 2024.
The town says “Sankofa Sq.” has been chosen as the brand new identify for Yonge-Dundas Sq. after two years of consultations, analysis and dialogue.
In a written assertion, the town notes that the time period “Sankofa” originates in Ghana and refers back to the act of reflecting on and reclaiming teachings from the previous, which permits folks to maneuver ahead collectively.
The town says its Yonge-Dundas Sq. Board will report back to council in 2024 with particulars on the adoption of the brand new identify and also will start plans to rename different metropolis property named after Scottish politician Henry Dundas, together with Dundas and Dundas West subway stations and the Jane/Dundas Public Library subsequent yr.
Metropolis council has additionally accepted a movement to pause its 2021 choice to rename Dundas Road, a 23-kilometre thoroughfare.
Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville, was an lively politician from 1770s to the early 1800s, when the British parliament was debating slavery abolition motions.
Dundas had referred to as for the gradual abolition of the Atlantic slave commerce whereas the abolitionists had sought its fast finish.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has voiced assist for the renaming efforts, saying the town is “dedicated to acknowledging the affect of the transatlantic slave commerce and slavery, whereas specializing in mitigating prices and impacts on residents and companies.”
“The Metropolis of Toronto stays dedicated to confronting anti-Black racism, advancing fact, reconciliation and justice, and constructing a extra inclusive and equitable Metropolis,” she wrote in an announcement.
