Russell Township renounces namesake
Posted May 4, 2022 05:14:00 PM.
A township east of Ottawa has renounced its original namesake and will now be named after all Russells who have built the township into what it is today.
The Township of Russell was originally named after Peter Russell, a high ranking administrator in the pre-confederation government of Upper Canada, who owned four people, and was opposed to abolishing slavery.
The town's mayor, Pierre Leroux, released a statement regarding the name change on May 3.
“We have officially removed Peter Russell as the honour of our namesake,” the statement reads. “Council chose that moving forward, rather than honouring one individual, the township's name honours all “Russells” such as Russell Phair, Keith Russell, and others who would have helped develop our community into the jewel we love today.”
The council of Russell Township began the process of searching for a new name two years ago.
“Council's decision is not an attempt to erase our history,” adds the mayor's statement. “We acknowledge it and publicly state we are striving to do better. We learn, we adapt, we evolve, and we will create the future we want for ourselves.”
