Erin Nicole Davis is a born and raised Toronto writer with a passion for the city and its urban affairs and culture.
The renaming of Yonge-Dundas Square was a hot topic in Toronto City Hall yesterday as plans were solidified to move forward with the new name, Sankofa Square.The renaming of Yonge-Dundas Square – and its accompanying price tag – was a hot topic in Toronto City Hall yesterday, and the centre of a debate including both politicians and members of the public that got notably heated and emotional at times.
But the decision is certainly not one without its vocal and passionate opponents, who criticize the plan for everything from its alleged inaccuracies regarding Henry Dundas' position on the slave trade, to its price tag, expressing desires to preserve the city’s past, and objections to the new name, “Sankofa.”to stop the renaming of Yonge-Dundas Square has acquired some 30,000 signatures and clearly outlines such criticisms and concerns.
Pottins says he’s first to admit that he’s not a historian, but says that he consulted two notable historians, who said the City used discredited history to advance the claims of Dundas. “If you look at the actual history, Dundas is absolved of what he’s accused of,” says Pottins.
When it comes to additional costs, both Mayor Olivia Chow and Colle have said that the rename is not going to cost as much as some critics claim. At any rate, a formal letter written by city manager Paul Johnson said that any additional costs above the $335,000 would be funded “through third-party financial partners and in-kind support.”
At the end of the day, the reality is that a rebrand of the iconic square will benefit the whole city. Colle says that renaming the square also means giving it a needed refresh in terms of programming – and a lot of it. “The square could use some rebranding; it’s pretty dangerous down there right now,” says Colle. “It’s fallen on hard times and there’s a real problem with street drugs. Outside of name changes, we need to make the square safe and appealing again.
In terms of next steps, the item goes to city council, where it will be debated on June 26. As of now, the Yonge-Dundas Square signage has been removed, and Colle says we’ll see signs of the rebrand in the coming months.BC Gov Buys Former ICBC HQ In North Vancouver For TOD Project
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