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See: https://toronto.citynews.ca/2023/12/13/dundas-street-renaming-cost-toronto-city-council/
By Michael Ranger and Michelle Mackey
Posted December 13, 2023 8:01 am.
Last Updated December 13, 2023 12:34 pm.
The renaming of Dundas Street is up for discussion at Toronto City Hall this week as councillors meet for the final time this year.
The cost to rename the thoroughfare has increased according to a report to be presented by the city manager. The original price tag was set at $8.6 million, it is now estimated to be as high as $12.7 million.
With city council facing an immediate $1.5 billion hole and a $46.5 billion budget deficit over the next decade, some are questioning if the cost is worth making the change.
Coun. Chris Moise, chair of the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee, says there are no plans to rename the street immediately.
“It may be a long-term approach, but there are four city assets we are looking to change in the short-term,” he says, citing money that has been set aside to rename Yonge-Dundas Square.
Moise said Wednesday morning he will be recommending Dundas subway station be renamed TMU station after the nearby university. The Ward 13 councillor also shared that the school has agreed to cover the estimated cost of $1.5 million to rename the station.
The members motion would still need to be voted on and approved by council.
Coun. Stephen Holyday submitted an administrative inquiry as he questions whether renaming the thoroughfare is the best use of money as the city stares down a major budget deficit.
Holyday moved to refer the inquiry to an executive committee on Wednesday and the motion failed.
Inquiry disputes legacy of Henry Dundas
Council originally voted in favour of renaming the 23-kilometre east-west route, and other city-owned assets bearing the Dundas name, due to its namesake’s alleged role in delaying the abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. After consultation with academic experts, the city found his actions contributed to the perpetuation of slavery.
Henry Dundas never set foot in Toronto, he was an active British politician from the 1770s to the early 1800s when parliament was debating slavery abolition motions.
In his inquiry, Holyday cites new archival evidence that he says shows Henry Dundas was genuinely seeking to end the slave trade.
“It seems to boil down to one singular act, a change that he made in legislature,” Holyday says. “Many academics have stepped forward to say they think he was someone who supported the abolition of slavery quite vigorously.”
City staff are working on the response to the inquiry and will submit them to Council this week. The city has previously said the renaming of Dundas Street “furthers their commitment to confronting anti-Black racism, advancing truth, reconciliation and justice, and building a more inclusive and equitable Toronto.”
Mayor Olivia Chow has previously said they would be moving forward with the name change. Former mayors David Crombie, John Sewell and Art Eggleton issued a letter to Chow and city councillors earlier this year, asking them to reconsider the decision to rename the street.
The city manager says staff and the Community Advisory Committee continue to review their options for potential new names for the street.
The committee is expected to report back to Council by the end of the month. The group is reportedly focusing on names that celebrate stories of Black Torontonians.
By Michael Ranger and Michelle Mackey
Posted December 13, 2023 8:01 am.
Last Updated December 13, 2023 12:34 pm.
The renaming of Dundas Street is up for discussion at Toronto City Hall this week as councillors meet for the final time this year.
The cost to rename the thoroughfare has increased according to a report to be presented by the city manager. The original price tag was set at $8.6 million, it is now estimated to be as high as $12.7 million.
With city council facing an immediate $1.5 billion hole and a $46.5 billion budget deficit over the next decade, some are questioning if the cost is worth making the change.
Coun. Chris Moise, chair of the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee, says there are no plans to rename the street immediately.
“It may be a long-term approach, but there are four city assets we are looking to change in the short-term,” he says, citing money that has been set aside to rename Yonge-Dundas Square.
Moise said Wednesday morning he will be recommending Dundas subway station be renamed TMU station after the nearby university. The Ward 13 councillor also shared that the school has agreed to cover the estimated cost of $1.5 million to rename the station.
The members motion would still need to be voted on and approved by council.
Coun. Stephen Holyday submitted an administrative inquiry as he questions whether renaming the thoroughfare is the best use of money as the city stares down a major budget deficit.
Holyday moved to refer the inquiry to an executive committee on Wednesday and the motion failed.
Inquiry disputes legacy of Henry Dundas
Council originally voted in favour of renaming the 23-kilometre east-west route, and other city-owned assets bearing the Dundas name, due to its namesake’s alleged role in delaying the abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. After consultation with academic experts, the city found his actions contributed to the perpetuation of slavery.
Henry Dundas never set foot in Toronto, he was an active British politician from the 1770s to the early 1800s when parliament was debating slavery abolition motions.
In his inquiry, Holyday cites new archival evidence that he says shows Henry Dundas was genuinely seeking to end the slave trade.
“It seems to boil down to one singular act, a change that he made in legislature,” Holyday says. “Many academics have stepped forward to say they think he was someone who supported the abolition of slavery quite vigorously.”
City staff are working on the response to the inquiry and will submit them to Council this week. The city has previously said the renaming of Dundas Street “furthers their commitment to confronting anti-Black racism, advancing truth, reconciliation and justice, and building a more inclusive and equitable Toronto.”
Mayor Olivia Chow has previously said they would be moving forward with the name change. Former mayors David Crombie, John Sewell and Art Eggleton issued a letter to Chow and city councillors earlier this year, asking them to reconsider the decision to rename the street.
The city manager says staff and the Community Advisory Committee continue to review their options for potential new names for the street.
The committee is expected to report back to Council by the end of the month. The group is reportedly focusing on names that celebrate stories of Black Torontonians.
