Wrong time for Dundas name change
The name "Sankofa Square" has come out of the blue. The city promised extensive public consultation for choosing a new name. Where was it? Since the beginning of the Dundas name issue, the process has been cloaked in secrecy. In considering Dundas and choosing a name, they consulted only a small hand-picked group of people and had a small group choose the final name. The ordinary citizens of Toronto were shut out. Is this the kind of democracy Toronto can expect from Mayor Olivia Chow?
Greg Sheehan, Mississauga
Now we see the council of the day voted to spend $1.1 million to rename Yonge-Dundas Square, with Toronto Metropolitan University paying $1.6 million to rename Dundas Station. Why in the world would they spend that money during these times of hardship for people who can't afford to eat or live? This money would buy a lot of food for the food bank during the Christmas season. Councillors must give their heads a shake and start using common sense during these hard times we live in!
Herman van der Veen, Cobourg
Let me get this straight: at the last council meeting date of the year, rather than spend their valuable time discussing homelessness, garbage overflow, traffic chaos and food banks, councillors spent time debating the renaming of Yonge-Dundas Square and naming a stadium after Rob Ford. This is the way our council thinks they should spend their time?
You might be interested in
Carol McKenzie, Toronto
It would appear Mayor Olivia Chow and members of council have decided to waste $1.1 million of taxpayers money on the renaming of Yonge-Dundas Square, while at the same time asking for bailouts. The mayor and council have a job to do. That job is running this city, not running Toronto into the ground with costly projects. Our downtown core is an absolute mess, crime is out of control city wide and we all know our property taxes are about to sky rocket! If Chow expects to have any chance at re-election she would be wise to show at least some respect for the taxpayers and stop spending money the city doesn't have.
Wayne Fraser, Toronto Island
Renaming is always 'thorny'
The renaming of public spaces can often be a thorny issue, look no further than the Rob Ford Stadium or the rebranding of Ryerson University. Berlin, Ontario changed its name to Kitchener by referendum in 1916, though Lord Kitchener's own legacy has since been largely diminished.
Now, Toronto city council has done away with the unwieldy and controversial Yonge-Dundas Square and replaced it with Sankofa Square (a name originating in Ghana, referring "to the act of reflecting on and reclaiming teachings from the past which enables us to move forward together.") Some welcome it, some are unhappy with it.
I feel that council missed an opportunity to honour Anderson Ruffin Abbott, Canada's first Black physician who was born, educated and (partly) practiced in Toronto. It would have been an inspired choice.
Mick Welch, Toronto
I can't be the only person to remember a suggestion to rename Yonge-Dundas Square to "Toronto Commons." In my opinion, this name is reasonable and inoffensive, and would have solved the debate at city hall.
Lisa Hartford, Toronto
City council should have held a contest to pick a new name for Yonge-Dundas Square. It would have been a really fun opportunity to let the people of Toronto decide what they want to call that space with all the fanfare, the hoopla and the excitement of a big reveal.
Paul Kern, Toronto
The city said it cost too much to invite Torontonians to submit and vote on a name for our premiere city square? Instead a small committee submitted names and council picked one. Really? Were there celebrated Canadians not worth considering?
Larry Peloso, Toronto
Ford doesn't deserve stadium honour
Are you kidding me?? I don't care how many years Rob Ford was a "decent" councillor, he was a horrible mayor. He made Toronto a global joke. It is unbelievable he would receive any honorarium in our city. It is very sad how his lifestyle and substance abuse challenges may have contributed to his own premature demise, but this does not warrant renaming a stadium in his name. The city is already paying to rename Yonge-Dundas Square. Now they want to pay to rename a stadium for a man guilty of multiple sins 13 years ago. Really?
Michelle Simson, Hastings, Ont.
I agree that Centennial Park Stadium in Etobicoke should be renamed for Rob Ford, but not for the reasons put forward. Rather a renaming should be meant to warn Toronto voters that they should be careful what they wish for. Ford brought in an era of behaviour which led to worldwide ridicule. The stadium's new name should embarrass Toronto voters and remind them that voting for populist slogans can be a double-edged sword.
Ron Brown, East York
I share the sentiments of many who have responded with disbelief to the idea of celebrating a politician who brought international shame to the city of Toronto. Why would our city council dedicate a youth-centred stadium to a man whose name was frequently exposed for his association with illegal drug use? This brings into serious question the judgement of the councillors who voted for this naming. They are putting a rubber stamp of approval on those who would promote cruel and harmful behaviours that Rob Ford exhibited. People were angry then, but we are even more upset now at how he can be elevated with the support of so many councillors and even the current mayor.Â
Sharon Brickman, Warkworth, Ont.
I heartily agree that former mayor Ford is certainly not worthy of the honour of a stadium in his name. I know Mayor Olivia Chow could not do it, but why couldn't a councillor recommend Jack Layton? He is a man worthy of the honour.Â
William Arsenault, Napanee, Ont.
Share your holiday memories
The Star is inviting readers to share their stories of holiday merriment, special memories, get-togethers, family gatherings and even festive misadventures. We’ll run a selection of these letters later in December. Submissions can be sent for consideration to lettertoed@thestar.ca
