Vaughan, a city located north of Toronto, is considering renaming a residential street currently called “America Avenue” due to the fallout from U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war. The city has created a survey on its website to gather input from residents living on the street about potential name changes. One proposed name is “Terry Fox Avenue,” in honor of the Canadian hero Terry Fox, who inspired generations with his courage and determination. The survey will close on April 24, and only Vaughan residents living on America Avenue can participate.
The city of Vaughan explained that recent tariff threats and trade disputes with the United States have highlighted the importance of national pride, unity, and recognition of Canadian heroes. The move to rename the street is seen as a way to strengthen national identity and foster pride among residents. Additionally, Vaughan plans to request Ontario’s transportation ministry to rename the future bridge over Highway 400, between Canada Drive and America Avenue, as the Terry Fox Bridge. However, the city did not provide details on the potential impact of the name change on residents or the steps needed to inform utility companies of an address change.
Trump’s inconsistent trade policy, centered around tariffs and trade disputes, has strained the historically strong relationship between Canada and the United States. This has caused many Canadian municipalities to reassess their relationship with America and take measures to demonstrate their national pride and loyalty. In response to the U.S. tariffs, Ottawa, provinces, territories, and municipalities have implemented reciprocal tariffs, procurement bans, and removed American flags from their buildings as a symbolic gesture. The city’s consideration of renaming America Avenue to Terry Fox Avenue is part of this larger trend among Canadian municipalities to assert their national identity.
One of the first municipalities to make headlines on the matter was West Lincoln in the Niagara region, where the council voted to remove all permanently affixed American flags from its buildings. The move was initiated by Coun. William Reilly, who questioned the presence of the American flag year-round at the West Lincoln community centre while the Ontario provincial flag was absent. This decision was based on the desire to show respect for Canadian symbols and emphasize national pride within the community. The removal of American flags and renaming of streets and structures are symbolic actions aiming to reaffirm Canadian identity and values in the face of strained relations with the United States.
The consideration to rename America Avenue to Terry Fox Avenue in Vaughan reflects a broader sentiment among Canadians to celebrate their national heroes and symbols in response to current political and economic tensions with the United States. Terry Fox’s legacy as a courageous and selfless individual who inspired millions resonates with many Canadians, making him a fitting choice for a street name. By emphasizing Canadian heroes and symbols, Vaughan seeks to strengthen residents’ pride and unity while acknowledging the importance of national identity in times of uncertainty. The potential renaming of America Avenue is not only a practical decision but also a symbolic gesture in the broader context of Canada-U.S. relations and the value of patriotism.
