City of Kingston to proceed with Indian Rd name change

Council voted 8-5 to changed the name of street to Aki Rd and name of park to Odamino Park.

The City of Kingston are proceeding with the changing of the name Indian Rd.

Council voted 8-5 in favour of a staff report that would see Indian Rd become Aki Rd and the park to Odamino Park. A portion of the south end of Indian Rd at Princess St will be renamed McMahon Ave.

Translated to English, Aki is "earth/land/ground" and Odamino means "to play"

Councillor Gregory Ridge was one of the eight that were in favour of the name change suggesting it was overdue.

One of the five that were opposed to changing the name, Councillor Jeff McLaren, says it is not as racist or derogitory as many would think. 

The report comes after Council voted last June that the Indian Rd name goes against city policy and would be removed. They also directed staff to do consultations with the public as well as a report on potential compensation for residents impacted by the name change and possible alternative names.

The report suggested residents living on Indian Rd each receive $250 as compensation for having to change their address.

McLaren says no amount of money is worth the inconvenience.

The City will be spending $46,250 from the Working Fund Reserve to cover the cost of signage, a commemorative plaque, as well as compensation.

Ridge says while he is happy that the street and park will have new names, he also realizes it is not as cut and dried as others would suggest. 

McLaren says the matter is considered closed but believes it should have been handled better.

Mayor Bryan Paterson, Deputy Mayor Wendy Stephen, Councillors Brandon Tozzo, Vincent Cianni, Paul Chaves, Ryan Boheme, and Don Amos along with Ridge were also in favour of the motion. McLaren was joined by fellow councillors Conny Glenn, Gary Oosterhof, Lisa Osanic, and Jimmy Hassan in opposition.

The changes will take effect during the first quarter of 2027.

Story by Ken Hashizume