Proposed name revealed for John A. Macdonald Road

A Saskatoon street is one step closer to a new name.

The new proposed name for John A. Macdonald Road in the city’s Confederation Park neighbourhood is miyo-wâhkôhtowin Road – Cree for good relationship.

City council approved renaming the street two years ago  as a commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action and the role John A. Macdonald — Canada’s first prime minister — played in the residential school system.

“The proposed name reflects the theme of Reconciliation and was thoughtfully and carefully chosen after listening to and learning from the community and the people that continue to be impacted by residential schools and the legacy of John A. Macdonald,” Melissa Cote, the city’s director of Indigenous initiatives, said in a news release.

“Residential schools contributed to a breakdown in communities and relationships and division; good relationships will bring us together.”

The next step in the approval process is on Aug. 1 when the recommended name will be presented to the city’s civic naming committee. City council will have the final say on the street name change bylaw on Sept. 27.

According to the city, signs, maps and addresses changes could begin in the fall and winter of this year.

Name ruffles feathers with residents

The proposed new name wasn’t well-received by some homeowners who attended a meeting hosted by the city on Wednesday.

Darin Daughton said the meeting at a local elementary school was the first time he learned about the name. He felt the city could have done a better job communicating.

“A lot of people were upset with the fact there could be costs involved,” Daughton said.

“It sounded like (the city) hadn’t really checked into this stuff to make sure how it all went. You have land titles. Are you going to have to get a lawyer? There’s no clear-cut answers to help people understand.”

While cost was a common concern, Daughton said some residents felt a simpler name could have been chosen that still acknowledged the ongoing harm of residential schools.

“Not that the name itself is offensive to them. It’s just the fact they’ve lived on that street that long and a lot of people agreed they could’ve picked something a lot easier,” he said.

Daughton pointed out owners were not included in the final decision.

“It was done with groups and didn’t include the residents that live right on the street,” he said. “That came up (at the meeting) because a lot of the people involved didn’t live in the area.

“Back when they originally talked about this two or three years ago, they actually came around and I was asked and said, ‘Make it 32nd Street. Short, simple, sweet and doesn’t bother anybody.’ “