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Former South African President Nelson Mandela was known worldwide for his outstanding life-long achievements, and despite his passing last year, his legacy lives on around the world. The City of Toronto wants to recognize Mandela's contributions to human rights by naming a street in his honour, and the public is being invited to have its say on which city street should be selected.
A Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Mandela was jailed for his protests against South Africa's apartheid policies and spent 27 years in prison. After being released, he became the country's first black president, with a government focused on dismantling apartheid by tackling systematic and institutionalized racism, poverty and inequality.
"Nelson Mandela is recognized around the world for his heroism, dedication and commitment to his country, and his love for people of every race and creed," said Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly. "The naming of a street after Nelson Mandela is a positive way for Toronto to honour the legacy of this great man."
The City is seeking public input on five potential street locations with connections to Mandela that could be chosen for the ceremonial street designation. The ceremonial street naming would see the installation of additional signage honouring Mandela along the selected street. The official street name would remain the same and building addresses would not change.
The locations include:
• Queen Street West from Yonge Street to University Avenue:
During Mandela's first visit to Toronto in 1990, his then wife, Winnie Mandela, led a march from City Hall, located on Queen Street West, to Queen's Park.
• Shuter Street, from River Street to Parliament Street:
In 2001, Nelson Mandela attended the re-naming celebration of a school in his honour. Nelson Mandela Park Public School is located on Shuter Street.
• Gerrard Street East, from Jarvis Street to Yonge Street:
In 2001, Nelson Mandela received an honorary doctorate from Ryerson University. In his acceptance speech, he celebrated children, youth education and the pursuit of universal peace.
• Bathurst Street, from College Street to Herrick Street:
In 1990, during his first visit to Toronto, Mandela spoke to students at Central Technical Secondary School at Harbord Street and Bathurst Street about the poor treatment of black students in South Africa.
• University Avenue, from Front Street West to College Street:
During his visit in 1990, a march was held on University Avenue, from Toronto City Hall to Queen's Park where Mandela gave a speech to a crowd of several thousand people.
A map highlighting the listed locations can be seen below.
More information about participating in the street selection process is available at http://www.toronto.ca/mandela.
