The wheels are in motion to change the name of Colonization Road in Fort Frances.
Fort France town council was unanimous in a vote on their intent to change both the East and West sections with new names.
The vote paves the way for a public meeting to be held within the next thirty days.
No date has been set for that meeting.
The town will continue to accept written submissions until then.
Mayor June Caul calls it the right thing to do.
“Because of the history, the disregard by political leaders across this country for hundreds of years, the part the churches played, and the genocide against indigenous people families children and their right to practice their own culture,” says Caul.
The town will also accept name suggests. Because the east and west sections don’t connect, the road could have two different names.
Councillor Mike Behan would like to see the change take effect in 2022 to give residents time to change any documentation.
“I’m not naive. I know this won’t change history or right past wrongs. But I do believe this an important gesture on our part to move forward and build a new relationship with our First Nations neighbours for the betterment of all,” says Behan.
Councillor John McTaggart expressed similar sentiments.
He suggested the need for an educational component following the final vote to explain how Colonization Road got its name and council’s decision for change.
