U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff fight has triggered a rise in Canadian pride across the country, with everything from businesses to government offices seeking to distance themselves from our neighbour to the south.
The city of Vaughan has joined the chorus and has proposed renaming America Avenue “to celebrate our Canadian identity.”
The city is pitching to rename America Avenue – which sits between Jane Street and John Deisman Boulevard – as Terry Fox Avenue.
Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca introduced the idea as part of his member’s resolution at the Feb. 25, council meeting.
“Given what’s taken place between Canada and the United States the last number of weeks when we’ve seen a long-standing ally and President Trump move forward with initiatives that we know are very damaging to the relationship,” Del Duca told reporters on Thursday, prompting the mayor to put forth a resolution and start by renaming the roadway after an “iconic Canadian hero.”
In a statement, city of Vaughan officials said, “Terry Fox is one of Canada’s most beloved national heroes, whose courage, determination and selflessness have inspired generations of Canadians and raised millions of dollars for cancer research.”
Before any decision is made on renaming the street, the city wants to hear how Vaughan residents, especially those who live on America Avenue, feel about the potential change.
They’re asking residents to take an online survey to express their views by April 24.
Del Duca says they are waiting for Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation to respond to their request to rename the future bridge over Highway 400, which will span from America Avenue to Canada Drive, to the Terry Fox Bridge.
