Toronto City Council has approved a motion to rename Yonge-Dundas Square and also demanded that the TTC enter a deal with Toronto Metropolitan University — formerly Ryerson — to change the name of Dundas Station to “TMU Station.”
The motion was supported by the majority support and it is part of renaming efforts throughout the city of names that have connection to slavery and alleged racism.
Councillor Chris Moise revealed that TMU has agreed to pay the remaining $1.7-milllion cost associated with the Dundas subway station if it is named after the university.
The motion in front of the council — moved by Moise and seconded by Mayor Olivia Chow — asked that the council demand the TTC board to effect the name change by the fourth quarter of 2024.
The motion also asked that a new name be picked for Yonge-Dundas Square by the end of the second quarter of next year.
Moise said a committee chose “Sankofa Square” this week after reducing its choices to four names over the past few months. Sankofa originates in Ghana and refers to “the act of reflecting on and reclaiming teachings from the past which enables us to move forward together.”
In a recent statement, Chow said: “Adopting the name Sankofa Square recognizes the need to reflect on and reclaim teachings from the past, and enables us to move forward together.
“The City of Toronto remains committed to confronting anti-Black racism, advancing truth, reconciliation and justice, and building a more inclusive and equitable city. The City of Toronto is committed to acknowledging the impact of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and slavery while focusing on mitigating costs and impacts on residents and businesses.”
Included in the motion also 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 in 2025.
