City of Woodstock looking into potential name change of Indian Road: One resident calls for change while majority sign petition against it

Lee Griffi, Editor

One resident on Indian Road in Woodstock has asked council to review and potentially change the name.

Raylene Krohn sent a letter to the city and said the name feels outdated and, in her view, does not reflect Indigenous people today. The letter was first debated at the Sept. 17 regular meeting of council. There are 32 homes on the street.

“Before taking this step, I reached out to an Indigenous community member to ask for her perspective. She agreed that the name feels outdated and does not respectfully represent Indigenous people, and she felt it would be worthwhile for the city to formally review the name and consult with local Indigenous people and the First Nations connected to this land.”

Krohn’s letter said at this point, she is simply asking whether council would be willing to support a formal review of the existing road name and explore an appropriate consultation process.

“It feels especially poignant during Truth and Reconciliation month. I would appreciate hearing your thoughts on this issue and any guidance you can provide regarding the appropriate next steps.”

Coun. Bernia Martin said the issue is something the city needs to act on and she added she is on her own journey of Truth and Reconciliation.

“I am currently reading a book called Talk Treaty to Me and it has prompted me to really do some thinking on issues like this. I don’t want us to overcomplicate it but when you look at the word Indian Road, it is certainly a piece of language that has changed over time.”

She added she is in favour of consulting with local Indigenous communities along with examining the implications of a street name change.

“Obviously, there are costs associated with that and what other agencies might have input.”

Coun. Liz Wismer-Van Meer asked city staff if any compensation was available for residents should a name change eventually occur. Several residents on the street have permanent signing displaying their address on the street, but city staff are not aware of compensation ever being available.

“We have done a few over the years, in fact we did one quite recently, and I can’t recall a time anyone has requested that,” said Mayor Jerry Acchione. “I have had a number of residents from that street reach out to me in opposition. I am really looking forward to some key discussions and consultations with our Indigenous communities.”

Resident Wendy Newell, who has lived on Indian Road since 1996, delegated to council at the Oct. 1 meeting where she presented a petition signed by approximately 125 people who oppose the request.

“There are 32 homes in Indian Road, of those, 27 homeowners support this petition. Three could not be reached because they are on vacation, and one is the homeowner who requested the name change.”

Newell added among the supporters are a pair of Indigenous families who live in the surrounding neighbourhood, many of which also have native names such as Sioux, Blackfoot and Beaver.

“The names our of streets are more than just addresses. They are historical references that recognize and reflect the Indigenous communities that have lived along the Thames River. For many of us, these names have been part of our community and out lives for decades.”

She added a street name change would also create a considerable financial and administrative burden for those affected, including the city itself.

“(It) would require residents to update numerous personal and legal documents including driver’s licences, health cards, passports, insurance records, financial records, legal documents and other important correspondence.”

Newell explained alternation to maps, municipal records, emergency services information and other systems would also have to be undertaken.

“We are here today to respectfully oppose the request and ask council to recognize the community support for keeping the name Indian Road. We ask council to reject the request rather than defer the decision so the residents…and our surrounding community can have certainty moving forward.”

Her request was not granted nor discussed by council as the process to engage with area Indigenous groups has begun.

They city’s project manager, Harold deHaan, said when ready the staff report will include an estimated cost to residents should Indian Road be renamed in addition to comments from the public and consulted groups. He added staff has reached out to neighbours and to Indigenous groups.

“The letter we sent to the residents did have a timeline of when comments were due, I think it was 30 days. We’ve reached out to Indigenous groups and we are still waiting to hear back from them on when or how they would like to meet to discuss this.”

With the upcoming municipal election on Oct. 26, it is highly likely the next Woodstock council will be the ones to debate and decide on staff recommendations.