Will Dundas St. survive in Mississauga?

Costs and a public that is generally against the move could prevent Mississauga from changing the name of Dundas St.

In an exclusive interview with Khaled Iwamura of insuaga.com, Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie said she is leaning towards not making the change after considering the financial impact of the move. As well, she said informal feedback shows the public is in favour of keeping the name.

Her comments come before a report that will be presented to Mississauga City Council later this year that will examine the impact of changing the name of Dundas St. – or other street names and places – because of perceived wrongdoings of the named historical figures.

Crombie, who asked for the report, is also concerned about the consistency of the name of the street which runs through several municipalities.

Toronto has already decided to eliminate the name Dundas from its landscape over the interpretation that Scottish politician Henry Dundas delayed the abolition of the slave trade by British interests.

Oakville and Burlington have already indicated the name Dundas will remain in those municipalities.

“If it costs us in the same realm as Toronto (up to $8 million) there is so much that we can do with that money considering our operational deficit,” said the mayor. “Maybe we can overcome it by putting up plaques to explain with historical context who this person was.”

The mayor added that most of the people she has talked to about the issue don’t want the name changed. A recent poll conducted by insauga.com also shows that most people are in favour of keeping the name.

Still, the mayor said the report that comes back to council plus consultation with Mississauga’s Indigenous and Black community could shape how the City proceeds

“I’m ready to have that debate but the financial costs are a big concern for me,” the mayor reiterated. “If I had to lean somewhere it would be not (to change the name), but if it is causing consternation and grief and angst to important groups in this city then it is something we have to consider.”