The new proposed name for John A. Macdonald Road in Saskatoon is miyo-wâhkôhtowin Road – Cree for good relationship.

That is the road name that will be proposed to the Civic Naming Committee. City Council will consider the matter at its end of August council meeting and if approved at the September Council meeting, street sign and map changes will get underway for fall and winter.

In a news release, Melissa Cote, Director of Indigenous Initiatives with the City of Saskatoon says the City recognizes that John A. Macdonald, the first prime minister of Canada, played a significant role in the development of Canada’s Indian residential school system which created and continues to create many harms for Indigenous families. She says the proposed name reflects the theme of Reconciliation and was chosen after listening to and learning from the community.

The City held a meeting with property owners and residents on John A. Macdonald Road Wednesday evening to inform them of the proposed name. The City says it will support property owners and residents with having their address changed including approved associated costs. The matter goes before the Civic Naming Committee next Tuesday.