On Wednesday, Toronto council made the decision to rename the historic Dundas Street due to the namesake’s problematic history with the Transatlantic Slave Trade - named after 18th century Scottish politician Henry Dundas, who delayed Britain’s abolition of slavery by 15 years.
While discussions around renaming streets and buildings named after historical figures continues across Canada, Cambridge Mayor Kathryn McGarry said the City of Cambridge is keeping a close eye on those conversations regarding the “broader issue of naming” to determine how best to move ahead.
While McGarry said she hasn’t received any issues regarding Dundas Street here in Cambridge, she did note that there is work going on “in the background” at the city in order to ensure that staff are prepared should issues of renaming facilities come forward. Noting the views in the community “on both sides,” McGarry said that any renaming effort would require consultation from the community on how to best proceed.
“The discussions ongoing right now are about the broader issue of naming – and that would not just be street names; it wouldn’t be just Dundas Street, but anything else that seems to offend others,” said McGarry. “We’re also watching other communities such as Toronto that are having those discussions about road names, about former prime ministers; we’re looking at all of it in order to decide in the City of Cambridge where we will be going in the future on this issue.”
When asked how a possible renaming effort might begin in the City of Cambridge, McGarry said she couldn’t give a clear answer, as discussions are ongoing and staff are continuing to work with regards to efforts of equity, diversity and inclusion.
While she noted that the renaming of a street or facility could come through that work or the work of a city subcommittee, she did say that the process could begin if they get a request from a community member or a member of council as well.
“I’d also say that the area municipalities and the Region of Waterloo are also engaged in these discussions. As we’ve seen issues arise in our communities, we have taken note and are already reaching out to other members of our community to get some early consultation and feedback as to how we should best move ahead.”
