Item - 2023.EX10.20
Tracking Status
- This item was considered by the Executive Committee on December 5, 2023. The Committee received the item for information only. No further action will be taken on this item.
- See also 2023.MM12.6
EX10.20 - Etobicoke Coat of Arms Displayed in the Etobicoke Civic Centre
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Received
- Ward:
- 2 - Etobicoke Centre
Committee Decision
The Executive Committee:
1. Received the item for information.
Origin
Summary
City Council on November 8 and 9, 2023, referred Motion MM12.6 to the Executive Committee for consideration.
It has been brought to my attention that there have been recent complaints made to the City about the Etobicoke Coat of Arms displayed in the Etobicoke Civic Centre as being offensive or racist. There is a Coat of Arms prominently displayed in the Community Council Chamber, and another in the Committee Room.
The Coat of Arms was used on the official seal of the former City of Etobicoke and has been used extensively from 1977 to amalgamation in 1998, both in physical form and on numerous documents and mediums. It is recognized and highly regarded by many.
I believe that it is important that City Council and the public be made aware of the status of these complaints, and that Council receive information about the Coat of Arms.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2023/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-240819.pdf
Communications
Speakers
Councillor Stephen Holyday
Motions
That the Executive Committee receive the item for information.
Vote (Receive Item) Dec-05-2023
| Result: Carried | Majority Required - EX10.20 - Morley - motion 1 - Receive the Item |
|---|---|
| Total members that voted Yes: 10 | Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Alejandra Bravo, Shelley Carroll, Olivia Chow (Chair), Paula Fletcher, Ausma Malik, Josh Matlow, Jennifer McKelvie, Amber Morley, Gord Perks |
| Total members that voted No: 0 | Members that voted No are |
| Total members that were Absent: 1 | Members that were absent are Mike Colle |
20a - Etobicoke Coat of Arms Displayed in Etobicoke Civic Centre
Origin
Summary
The purpose of this report is to provide information about the Coat of Arms of the former City of Etobicoke.
City divisions were made aware of concerns relating to the Etobicoke Coat of Arms dating back to 2018. Taking the next steps towards the removal of the Coat of Arms aligns with the City's commitments to truth, justice, and reconciliation in the Reconciliation Action Plan 2022-2032 and is important for creating a safe and inclusive working environment for City staff, free of harmful imagery.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2023/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-241007.pdf