Yonge-Dundas Square To Be Renamed As “Sankofa Square”
Despite a budgetary shortfall of $1.5 billion and a $46.5 billion deficit over the next decade, some are questioning if the cost, initially estimated at $8.6 million and now potentially reaching $12.7 million, is justifiable.
Toronto’s City Council has given the green light to the renaming of Yonge-Dundas Square as “Sankofa Square,” along with both Dundas subway stations. The council voted 17-4 in favor of renaming Dundas Station and Dundas West Station, and 19-2 in favor of renaming Yonge-Dundas Square to Sankofa Square.
Derived from Ghana, “Sankofa” symbolizes “reflecting on and reclaiming teachings from the past, enabling us to move forward together” or simply “to go back and get it.”
According to a city spokesperson, this name change signifies the city’s dedication to addressing historical injustices, combating anti-Black racism, and fostering a more inclusive Toronto.
Details about adopting the new name will be reported to the City Council by Toronto’s Yonge-Dundas Square Board by the end of Q2 2024. Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) will collaborate with the TTC to rename Dundas Station as “TMU Station,” seeking advice from the Recognition Review Community Advisory Committee for Dundas West Station.
To mitigate financial impact concerns, the City Council ensured that the costs associated with renaming both subway stations won’t affect the TTC’s budget. Additionally, the renaming of Jane Dundas Library, following a recommendation by the City Council, was approved in a 19-2 vote.
The City Council also endorsed a motion for a public education campaign launching in 2024 and extending into 2025. This campaign aims to “acknowledge the impact of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and slavery.”
Plans for the next steps in renaming these assets are slated for consideration in 2024. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow emphasized the city’s commitment to addressing anti-Black racism, promoting truth, reconciliation, and justice, and building a more inclusive and equitable city. She highlighted that adopting the name Sankofa Square recognizes the need to reflect on the past and move forward collectively.
Despite a budgetary shortfall of $1.5 billion and a $46.5 billion deficit over the next decade, some are questioning if the cost, initially estimated at $8.6 million and now potentially reaching $12.7 million, is justifiable.
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