Nelson Mandela Boulevard, Toronto

TORONTO STREET DEDICATION TO NELSON MANDELA

On August 26, 2014, Toronto City Council approved a motion dedicate University Avenue Toronto after Nelson Mandela. This decision comes under the City’s ceremonial street naming policy. Under this policy, the street’s existing name (University Avenue) remains unchanged but the new ceremonial name (Nelson Mandela Boulevard) is superimposed on the existing street sign.

The decision of the City of Toronto is as follows:

  • City Council ceremonially dedicate University Avenue, from Front Street West to College Street, in honour of Nelson Mandela.
  • City Council authorize the General Manager, Transportation Services, to alter the street name signs on University Avenue, from Front Street West to College Street, to reflect both the official street name and the ceremonial name “Nelson Mandela Boulevard”.
  • City Council request that efforts be made to install this signage prior to the first anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s passing on December 5, 2014.
  • City Council request the Director, Toronto Office of Partnerships, in consultation with the General Manager, Transportation Services, the Executive Director, Engineering and Construction Services, and the Director, Protocol Services, to report to the Executive Committee in 2015 with recommendations to amend the “Honorific and Street Naming Policy” to include a specific policy to address ceremonial street dedications such as the one requested by City Council for Nelson Mandela.

The above motion was brought forward to Toronto Council by Councillors Pam McConnell, Ceta Ramkhalawansingh, and Kristyn Wong Tam. The proposal to best football odds and tips dedicate University Avenue in honour of Nelson Mandela was first brought to Toronto Council by the Mandela Legacy Committee in April. Councillor James Pasternak introduced the motion by requesting a staff report on the matter. Staff undertook consultation with the public on five different street options for consideration: sections of Bathurst Street, Gerrard Street, Shuter Street, Queen Street West and all of University Avenue from Front Street West to College Street.

On August 13, 2014, Lloyd McKell, Chair of the Mandela Legacy Committee addressed the City’s Public Works and Infrastructure Committee (PWIC) in support of University Avenue as their preferred choice.

The new street signage bearing the name Nelson Mandela Boulevard was installed on University during November 2014.