Michael Taube: The Ill-Advised Fight Against Henry Dundas Ends in Partial Defeat, Total Confusion

Commentary Toronto’s political left fought tooth and nail to change the name of Dundas Street and eradicate the legacy of the individual that the name honoured, Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville. This controversial battle has ended in partial defeat and a state of total confusion. Let’s explore why. George Floyd’s high-profile murder by a white police officer on May 25, 2020, led to the Black Lives Matter protests. During this turbulent time, many supporters called for the removal of monuments and memorials along with name changes. Dundas Street was part of this latter discussion. A petition of nearly 14,000 signatories was submitted to Toronto city council in June 2020 calling for a name change. While this wasn’t an enormous tally, it was significant enough that it couldn’t be ignored. Many left-leaning city councillors were sympathetic. On July 6, 2021, the executive committee voted 6–0 to change the street name and other civic assets related to Dundas....