Regina city council’s rejection of Dewdney Avenue renaming disappointing for advocate, researchers [Video]

An internet search for Edgar Dewdney’s name will turn up many accounts of his contributions to Saskatchewan and to Canadian history, including his role in helping establish Regina as Saskatchewan’s capital city.

But there’s a dark truth behind that  history — Dewdney also played a major part in early policy around the reserve system in Canada, and used starvation tactics against First Nations and Métis people in Saskatchewan in the 19th century.

Despite that, Dewdney is still honoured with a major avenue stretching across Regina named after him.

Two city councillors, Andrew Stevens (Ward 3) and Dan LeBlanc (Ward 6) brought a motion calling for a renaming of Dewdney Avenue to Regina city council.

But on Wednesday, council rejected the proposal in a 7-3 vote.

One councillor said the potential costs to businesses gave him pause. Mayor Sandra Masters has previously noted Dewdney Avenue is one of the city’s longest roads, and home to 2,500 businesses and residents.

But …