Sunday, December 24, 2023

Toronto's Yonge-Dundas Square chair resigns over renaming of landmark: Report



Henry Dundas’ name is being erased from a Toronto landmark. Now a name associated with the controversial debate is reportedly removing himself from his position.

Less than a week after Toronto city council voted to rename Yonge-Dundas Square, Mike Fenton, chair of the Yonge-Dundas Square Board of Management, informed the head of council’s civic appointments committee of his resignation via a letter, the Toronto Star reported Wednesday night.

In the letter, Fenton said he supports the city’s efforts to find a new name for Yonge-Dundas Square, the Star report said, but council’s decision to rename it “Sankofa Square” lacked the proper timeframe in which to debate the issue.

Council’s decision on Dec. 14 came just two days after an advisory committee picked the new name.

“While I support the selection of a new name for YDS — the lack of a consistent, public review to evaluate this decision has been disjointed and lacking good governance,” wrote Fenton, according to the Star.

Last week’s motion received majority support and was part of renaming efforts throughout the city of names connected to slavery and alleged racism.

City council also last week asked that the TTC enter into a deal with Toronto Metropolitan University — formerly Ryerson — to rename Dundas Station as “TMU Station.”

Also included in the motion was a directive that the Toronto Public Library Board rename the Jane-Dundas library branch in 2024 and that the TTC rename Dundas West Station by 2025.

A change.org petition to stop the renaming of all things related to Dundas had attracted nearly 5,000 signatures as of Wednesday night.

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