Toronto paying $250Gs to consult on changing name of Dundas Street

Toronto’s executive committee has opted to pay $250,000 for consultations to rename Dundas Stin response to a petition that says the street’s name supports anti-Black racism.

Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville, was a Scottish politician. The petition says he was active in obstructing the elimination of slavery in the British Empire between 1791 and 1806 while he was in politics.

The costs will develop a structure for consultation in the community, which would include those who live or own businesses on Dundas as well as Black and Indigenous voices.

Andrew Lochhead, who started the petition, says he supports “clear consultation.”

“It’s very clear (Dundas) is no longer a suitable candidate to have a street named after him,” Lochhead said during the executive committee meeting Wednesday.

Descendants of Dundas also voiced their thoughts about renaming the street to the committee.

Bobby Melville, who spoke to the committee via phone from Scotland, said Dundas was a realistic abolitionist who was against servitude.

“This man had no personal involvement in the slave trade,” Melville said.

Richard Dundas told the committee the street is named after the entire family, which includes doctors, lawyers, scientists and members of the military.

“I carry the name with pride. (The street) also carries the names of a pioneer family,” he said.

Jennifer Dundas told the committee her ancestor spoke against slavery.

“He believed it was contrary to humanity and justice,” she said.

“Black Lives Matter is at a critical point, and people need to know what they are fighting for.”

The city report outlines a framework to understand and respond to how systemic racism and discrimination may be embedded in city assets, commemorative programs, and naming policies.

The executive committee was also told that renaming the street could open the door to the renaming of subways, parks and libraries, which could be an incredibly expensive hole.

City council as a whole will vote on the recommendation for Round 1 of the proposed consultations.

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