TORONTO — It’s official – Yonge-Dundas Square in Downtown Toronto has a new name.
Following two years of consultation, research and discussion, the City’s Recognition Review Community Advisory Committee (CAC) unanimously selected the name “Sankofa Square” for Yonge-Dundas Square. The concept of Sankofa, originating in Ghana, refers to the act of reflecting on and reclaiming teachings from the past, which enables people to move forward together.
“This new name reflects the City’s commitment to taking steps to right wrongs, confront anti-Black racism and build a more inclusive Toronto for all,” officials said in a news release. The Yonge-Dundas Square Board will report to City Council on details related to the adoption of the new name by the end of Q2 2024.
The City will also undertake a public education campaign, which will launch in 2024 and extend into 2025, that will focus on acknowledging the impact of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and slavery.
In fall 2021, the Recognition Review CAC was formed to develop a shortlist of new names for Dundas Street and other City-owned assets bearing the Dundas name. The 20-member CAC brings together Black and Indigenous leaders and other Dundas Street residents and business owners. The CAC unanimously selected the name “Sankofa Square” for Yonge-Dundas Square at its December 12 meeting, the news release said.
The City and TTC will work in consultation with Toronto Metropolitan University to rename Dundas Station and with advice from the Recognition Review Community Advisory Committee to rename Dundas West Station. The Jane/Dundas Public Library is proposed to be renamed by the Toronto Public Library Board in collaboration with the City.
Council directed that the Jane/Dundas Public Library be renamed by Q3 2024, Dundas subway station by Q4 2024, and Dundas West subway station be renamed within the TTC’s 10-year capital plan, preferably by 2025.
The net cost to the City is estimated to be $700,000 with identified offsets.
“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. Adopting the name Sankofa Square, recognizes the need to reflect on and reclaim teachings from the past, and enables us to move forward together,” said Mayor Olivia Chow.
