Kingston city council is preparing to vote on the renaming of a road with a controversial name, but many residents living there believe the change isn’t necessary and is a waste of resources.
Out of 50 locals who took part in a survey about possible new names for Indian Road, 27 dismissed all suggested options.
“I, as are my family, are opposed to the proposition to change the name of Indian Road,” one resident stated in their survey comments that were shared in a report to council.
Others voiced concerns about the complicated process needed to update official documents, their personal ties to the street, and questioned whether changing the name was really needed.
“This entire process is a colossal waste of money and an embarrassment to democracy,” another local wrote.
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Conversely, some residents were more supportive of the idea.
“I am so happy that this is finally happening,” one expressed. “Many residents on this street are quite unhappy with a name that is seen as an outdated and offensive colonial reference to Indigenous people in Canada. This is just one of many steps we all must take towards genuine reconciliation.”
In June 2025, council instructed city staff to start the process for renaming Indian Road, Indian Park and Parkettes. Staff were tasked with engaging residents impacted by the name change along with Indigenous service organizations and Indigenous Nations connected to the land involved.
Groat pointed out there’s been increasing momentum among various governments and organizations reconsidering place names since 2015’s final report from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission; one notable example being Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). But he highlighted how colonial names aren’t only detrimental toward Indigenous communities since several place names might elicit strong emotional reactions. “When evaluating which names should be changed , it’s valuable for community members ‘ input-especially when personal lived experiences tied strongly into cultural or racial backgrounds come into play,” he said. Currently , Kingston considers four Ojibway names : Aki (earth/land/ground), Binesi (large bird), Nookomis (grandmother) , and Odamino (to play). Groat noted Kingston also hosts many Haudenosaunee individuals. He added choosing new place names based on indigenous languages could showcase traditional knowledge systems alongside people’s connection toward nature. “If advocates say honoring ‘Indian’ Road reflects historic relationships pointing back towards indigenous histories; those can still shine through positively if we adopt these changes ,”he remarked. Cities like Toronto , Mississauga , and Kitchener-including smaller communities across Ontario-also have streets named ‘Indian.’ While Kitchener’s council reviewed its naming policy already; no changes yet happened there. The upcoming vote will take place at Tuesday’s Kingston city council meeting. © 2026 , a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
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Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you’ll never miss the day’s top stories. The number of residential addresses on Indian Road totals around 62. The city has stated that all will be compensated if a name change occurs. Coun. Gregory Ridge, who proposed the initial motion, told he understands residents’ frustrations regarding this issue. “Council also has a responsibility to consider why renaming this road has been suggested,” he added. The topic is complex according to Cody Groat, an assistant professor specializing in history and Indigenous studies at Western University and a Kanyen’kehaka citizen. “I think it’s not always clear that terms like ‘Indian’ are viewed as derogatory,” he mentioned. “However, I see value in revisiting such outdated terms and recognizing ways we can incorporate Indigenous languages positively.” Story continues below Ridge explained that considering this name change comes from how using ‘Indian’ conflicts with city street naming bylaws. “While we cannot undo past harms, I hope we can thoughtfully address this issue moving forward and support residents during this transition,” he told . <p Groat emphasized that for any reconciliation efforts moving ahead local Indigenous groups should be consulted primarily. Mentioning an informal door-to-door survey conducted by another Kingston councillor regarding opinions on the name change, he called it “frustrating.” More on Politics More videos “I would argue their experience living on this street differs from community members who are Indigenous-they’re seeing this name as something personally significant,” he said.Groat pointed out there’s been increasing momentum among various governments and organizations reconsidering place names since 2015’s final report from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission; one notable example being Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). But he highlighted how colonial names aren’t only detrimental toward Indigenous communities since several place names might elicit strong emotional reactions. “When evaluating which names should be changed , it’s valuable for community members ‘ input-especially when personal lived experiences tied strongly into cultural or racial backgrounds come into play,” he said. Currently , Kingston considers four Ojibway names : Aki (earth/land/ground), Binesi (large bird), Nookomis (grandmother) , and Odamino (to play). Groat noted Kingston also hosts many Haudenosaunee individuals. He added choosing new place names based on indigenous languages could showcase traditional knowledge systems alongside people’s connection toward nature. “If advocates say honoring ‘Indian’ Road reflects historic relationships pointing back towards indigenous histories; those can still shine through positively if we adopt these changes ,”he remarked. Cities like Toronto , Mississauga , and Kitchener-including smaller communities across Ontario-also have streets named ‘Indian.’ While Kitchener’s council reviewed its naming policy already; no changes yet happened there. The upcoming vote will take place at Tuesday’s Kingston city council meeting. © 2026 , a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
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