Move to rename ‘offensive’ parkettes and streets in Brampton

A move to rename parkettes and streets in Brampton has returned.

Renaming streets and parkettes first came up in April 2022 and more than one year later, not much has happened.

Brampton Councillor Rowena Santos brought the issue back today (June 21) at the Committee of Council meeting as it is National Indigenous Peoples Day.

In particular, Santos suggested Brampton re-naming Whitewash Way, Whitewash Parkette, White Face Crescent, Native Landing and Native Landing Parkette.

Santos said the names are “pretty offensive” and residents have asked her what is being done.

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Re-naming streets comes up against barriers including cost, changing addresses and communication to residents.

But Santos suggested re-naming parkettes is easier and within the city’s control.

Brampton school trustee Kathy McDonald, who lives in the area, asked the city to consider re-naming Whitewash Parkette, after activist and community leader Kola Iluyomade, said Santos. Recently, there were protests and anger after the Peel District School Board decided not to name a new education centre after Iluyomade.

Iluyomade, a Mississauga resident, died suddenly in 2021.

Iluyomade “played a very important role in the Peel District School Board, in terms of eliminating the whitewashing of curriculum within the education system,” Santos said.

“He did a tremendous amount of work with Brampton schools, coaches and the Black Student Advisory and he worked tirelessly against white supremacy,” Santos added.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and Deputy Mayor Harkirat Singh both agreed with the renaming of the parkette after Iluyomade.

Brampton Councillor Paul Vicente suggested consulting with the Indigenous community for an appropriate name for Native Landing Parkette.

Staff is expected to come back with a report on the re-naming and the current state of the parks. It’s hoped they can be refreshed before the re-naming takes place.