Toronto Recognition Audit”: Examining Representation in the Public Realm

Toronto City Council received a petition signed by close to 14,000 individuals calling for Dundas Street to be renamed, citing its namesake Henry Dundas’ role in delaying the abolition of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. The petition has led to a broader review of how the City commemorates public figures and events in place names, monuments, and other civic assets. This project is known as the “Recognition Review” and seeks to understand who or what is represented in the public realm in Toronto; uncover how systemic racism may be embedded in monuments and the naming of civic properties; and inform strategies to create public spaces that are more welcoming, inclusive, and reflective of Toronto’s rich diversity, culture and heritage. It is not clear what voices are not well represented in our monuments and memorials which means our collective history might be misinformed.
The proposed project sets out to undertake a “Recognition Audit” to better understand the histories that are represented in Toronto’s monuments, street and place names. Researchers will examine a mix of primary and secondary sources to identify and classify themes represented in the public realm along with gaps in representation.

Faculty Supervisor:

Roger Keil;L. Anders Sandberg

Student:

Partner:

City of Toronto

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Public administration; Utilities

University:

York University

Program: