Burlington mayor to recommend renaming Ryerson Park

Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward will recommend renaming Ryerson Park next month.

On Wednesday, Halton District School Board trustees approved a motion to change the name of Ryerson Public School, which is located beside the Burlington park.

Part of that motion included sending a letter to the mayor informing her of the name change.

“I support the change the HDSB is making and the reasons behind it,” said a statement from Meed Ward.

“As part of our continued commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, I am working with City of Burlington staff to bring forward a report to Committee and City Council in July 2021 recommending removing the Ryerson name from our park and embarking on the council-approved naming process.”

The renaming process is expected to be complete by November 2021, the same time-frame as the school renaming.

“Our Indigenous community needs to enjoy our parks and public spaces without a reminder of one of the architects of the Residential School system and the legacy of harm it created for their people,” said Meed Ward.

“Renaming our city park is one step we can take toward reconciliation with our Indigenous residents.”