Q&A

The call to rename Indian Road came from the community. Local Indigenous community members have brought it to the City’s attention, as well as students from Grand River Collegiate Institute, the high school situated on Indian Road.

A name change would be in line with the Ontario Human Rights Commission direction to recognize the enduring impact of colonialism on Indigenous peoples and the negative impacts the discriminatory display of names and images has on individuals and groups.

This project demonstrates tangible action towards Indigenous reconciliation and is part of a larger commitment to operating as an organization where racism and oppression are not permissible at either an individual or systemic level. Changing a derogatory street name helps to build trust and respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities as one way to acknowledge and correct historical wrongdoings against Indigenous communities and create a more just future.

A staff report to Kitchener City Council with a name recommendation is expected in late 2022, and if approved, the new name would come into effect in early 2023. All impacted residents and businesses would be given advanced notice to appropriately plan for the change.

Following community engagement with Indigenous groups, Grand River Collegiate Institute (GRCI) and residents and businesses located on Indian Road, a report will be brought back to Kitchener City Council summarizing the feedback received and with staff recommendations provided based on what we heard from the community. The final decision will rest with Kitchener City Council at that time.

Targeted community engagement on this project will be focused on three groups: 

1. Local Indigenous communities 
2. Residents, property owners and business owners of Indian Road
3. Students and staff from Grand River Collegiate Institute 

In the fall of 2022, new name options will be shared by local Indigenous Knowledge Keepers. Indian Road residents, property owners and business owners, as well as students and staff at GRCI, will have the opportunity to rank the names in their order of preference. 

You will be required to change your address for all of your identification and customer accounts. This would include your driver’s license, health card and passports, as well as mailing addresses for other direct mail such as your utility bills, credit cards or subscriptions. When the name change is to take effect, city staff will provide a comprehensive checklist to assist you with making all the required changes. In addition, Canada Post will offer a free one-year grace period where all mail using the old address will automatically be forwarded to the new address.

Yes. Each resident, property owner or business owner located on Indian Road is eligible to receive a standard stipend to recognize the time and effort required to change to the new name. You will need to complete an application form and provide relevant personal information in order to have a cheque mailed to you.   Residents and businesses will have the opportunity to identify unique circumstances that may bring additional expenses (such as a home business).

Please attend the in-person and online engagement opportunities that are described in the mailing sent to your residence or business. An online project page on Engage Kitchener has been setup with information about this project, where you can receive regular communication updates. Only people who live or own property on Indian Road will have access to this page, so please consult the mailing sent to your residence or business for the link to join the project page.

Students at GRCI have prepared several resources to educate residents on the legacy of colonialism and residential schools, and how changing names of streets, buildings or places can further reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. These will be shared through the in-person and online engagement opportunities. A list of helpful resources, books, and podcasts on Indigenous reconciliation is also available on the project page.

The online project page has a survey where you can share your thoughts. You can also reach out to city staff directly or attend in-person engagement sessions. We look forward to hearing from you!