The City of Saskatoon is looking at dropping the name of Canada’s first prime minister from one of its roads.
The news release says it’s part of the push toward reconciliation, by recognizing the first prime minister’s role in developing the residential school system.
“The City is committed to raising awareness and understanding of residential schools and their ongoing impacts,” said Melissa Cote, director of Indigenous Initiatives, in the news release. “We recognize that John A. Macdonald, the first prime minister of Canada, played a significant role in the development of Canada’s Indian residential school system which created and continues to create many harms for Indigenous families.”
The city decided to look at changing the name of the road two years ago. Since then, according to the city, significant work has taken place on a new name. There have been meetings with indigenous leaders, residential school survivors, elders, youth, the Chinese community, and others.
The new name will be presented to the city’s Civic Naming Committee on Aug. 1.
After that, there are still a few hoops to jump through before it becomes official.
The proposal goes to a larger policy committee on Aug. 9, and then to city council on Aug. 30.
Provided city councillors approve it, the new name will require a bylaw change, and the city says approval of that, and new signage, will take until late in 2023.
“The proposed name reflects the theme of Reconciliation and was thoughtfully and carefully chosen,” said Ms. Cote. “Residential schools contributed to a breakdown in communities and relationships and division; good relationships will bring us together.”
The city said it has kept property owners and residents along the road informed, and plans to support people with having their address changed, including approved associated costs.
The road is in Saskatoon’s Confederation Park neighborhood. Other street names in the area include Tupper Crescent, Meighen Crescent, and St. Laurent Crescent—all named after former prime ministers.
Moving to drop the name of Canada’s first prime minister is happening in various cities around the country.
A statue of Sir John A. Macdonald was removed from Ontario’s Kingston City Park in 2021. And in 2018 a statue of Macdonald was removed from outside City Hall in Victoria.
