Fort Frances Council has selected two names to replace Colonization Road.
The East section of the road will be known as ‘Aagamiing’ while the West section will be renamed ‘Sunset’.
Unlike the quick and debate free vote in Dryden last month, it came down to a 4-3 vote in Fort Frances, primarily because of a difference of opinion on the name of the road’s east section.
Councillor John McTaggart stated, “I had emails, texts, I’ve had phone calls, people/individuals stopping me on my walk. I have to be honest that until this afternoon, when I did receive one text, nobody has supported an Indigenous based name.”
Councillor Mike Behan countered by saying that section of the road deserved an Indigenous name with its proximity to Couchiching First Nation.
“To not take this opportunity to recognize and honour the Indigenous culture/heritage, that’s such an important part of our area, would be a mistake on our part.”
The decision concludes a 7-month process that began in November, when Councillor Doug Judson brought forward a resolution on the subject matter for Council’s consideration.
Judson says he was disappointed with the close 4-3 vote
“But what I hope this experience tells Council is that there is an appetite for social change in this community, and that we, as leaders, have to direct these discussions toward a vision. It isn’t good enough to shy away from equity issues because they might offend the prejudices or privileges of others. I hope we can do better in the future.”
He adds, “This has been a long and difficult process. It is not the one I wanted when I brought this forward in November. It exposed an undercurrent of racism and bigotry in our community.
However, Judson adds this is a big, proud moment for Fort Frances and one that will help bookmark a social and economic evolution.
Judson notes it’s also an important first step toward building a more inclusive Fort Frances.
The new names will take effect January 1, 2022 to give residents and businesses on the road time to change their documentation.
The ‘Aagamiing’ and ‘Sunset’ names were the top choices in an unofficial survey administered by Judson between May 4 and 8.
Dryden renamed Colonization Avenue in April and the names ‘Boozhoo’ and ‘Memorial’ will become official this Summer.
(With Files From Randy Thoms: Fort Frances)
