Council voted 7-3 at its June 17 meeting to rename Indian Road in Strathcona Park following concerns that the name is outdated and offensive.
The motion was introduced by Councillor Gregory Ridge after a request from a resident of the street.
While most councillors supported the change, Councillor Jeff McLaren opposed the motion, chiefly arguing that not enough community consultation had taken place.
Two of his amendments, to consult a list of Indigenous groups and to preserve the road’s history, were adopted. However, his proposal to delay the renaming until broader consensus could be reached was rejected.
“The motion has presumed that there’s going to be a name change, and that is paternalistic,” McLaren said.
“…in today’s society you have to make that change to move forward and so people can feel like they heal,” said Councillor Vincent Cinanni. “…there were people surprised that this is even the name of a street here.”
Staff have been directed to begin consultation to choose a new name with results expected by mid-2026.
