Ontario Mayor Pushes for Street Renaming After Andrew’s Arrest

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s recent arrest has prompted an Ontario mayor to pursue a street name change in his area.

St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe informed on Thursday that he plans to request council to think about renaming Prince Andrew Court, a residential road located near Prince Charles Court and Lake Street.

“St. Catharines councillors and I have been discussing for some time whether the court should be renamed,” Siscoe stated.

“In light of today’s news regarding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest, I believe there is no reason to keep talking about it.”

Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince who lost his royal titles due to his connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was taken into custody on Thursday under suspicion of misconduct in public office.

He was released later that day after spending 11 hours in detention; Thames Valley Police reported that he remains under investigation.

While Mountbatten-Windsor has always denied any wrongdoing linked to his friendship with Epstein, questions surrounding their ties have plagued the Royal Family for over ten years.

Siscoe mentioned that St. Catharines council must ensure municipal names reflect community values and uphold public trust in civic institutions.

He is advocating for a review process that includes public consultation with local residents and stakeholders regarding the potential renaming of the court, along with staff providing recommendations on alternative names and any related financial or administrative considerations.

2:24 Former prince Andrew arrested amid Epstein investigation

A number of Canadian municipalities feature landmarks named after Andrew, and St. Catharines is just the latest one looking into renaming options.

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In August 2022, Prince Andrew High School in Dartmouth, N. S., changed its name to Woodlawn High School.

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The Mississauga, Ont., council passed a motion in November 2025 aimed at disassociating Duke of York Boulevard from the former prince. This included removing all plaques, honors, and non-critical signage linked to him on city property.

The Township of Selwyn Mayor Sherry Senis told on Thursday that they approved a motion in November for studying the renaming of Prince Andrew Island and Gordonstoun Island.

“This review will follow necessary provincial procedures through the Province of Ontario Geographic Names Board (a process that can take up to 12 months once an application is submitted). We will carry out this work transparently alongside community members, including local First Nations,” Senis added while noting she anticipates feedback from local First Nation representatives next week.

Kevin Murdoch, mayor of Oak Bay, B. C., mentioned there’s been interest from residents over time wanting Prince Andrew Place-a small residential cul-de-sac-renamed as well.

However, no formal request or direction has yet been made regarding starting a name change process.

“The recent removal of ‘Prince Andrew’ title from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest may alter discussions or timelines but I don’t have anything new to share,” Murdoch told via email.

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The council hasn’t had a chance yet to discuss this issue since the announcement of his arrest specifically.”

3:09 Former Prince Andrew likely to face criminal investigation over ties to Epstein

A few streets in Toronto and Caledon also bear names connected with the former prince. An official from Town of Caledon informed via email that reconsidering a municipal street name would necessitate a formal review process along with public input.

A spokesperson for Toronto mayor Olivia Chow stated she would collaborate with city staff and council members on reviewing available options before determining an appropriate course of action.

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The late Queen Elizabeth II compelled her second son t o resign from royal duties and cease charitable engagements in 2019 after he tried explaining away h i s connection t o Epstein during an ill-fated interview w i th BBC.

But further details about their relationship came out last year in a book publication which led Charles t o strip him o f h i s princely title as well as ask him t o vacate.

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Then last week brought an unprecedented statement indicating Buckingham Palace would cooperate should there be a police inquiry into Mountbatten-Windsor’s connections t o Epstein.

Charles had no choice but t o act after millions o f pages detailing Epstein’s relationships were released by U. S. Justice Department revealing their correspondence continued long even after Epstein pled guilty back i n 2008 t o soliciting minors f or prostitution.

In 2019 , federal prosecutors charged E ps tein w i th sex trafficking offenses. He took h i s own life while awaiting trial.

– w i th files f rom The Associated Press

& copy ; 2026 O nt ario Chronicle , A division Of Corus Entertainment Inc.

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