Close X
Friday, November 29, 2024
ADVT 
National

Vancouver council announces Komagata Maru street name to address historic wrongs

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 30 May, 2023 05:07 PM
  • Vancouver council announces Komagata Maru street name to address historic wrongs

Photo courtesy of BC Gov via Twitter (@Dave_Eby)

Vancouver councillors have approved the honorary street name of Komagata Maru Place for an iconic landmark in a move to redress a case of systemic discrimination that took place more than a century ago. 

The city says Canada Place will get the second name to acknowledge historical discrimination against South Asian communities.

The Komagata Maru docked near the current location of Canada Place in 1914 with 340 Sikh, 27 Muslim and 12 Hindu passengers on board, most of whom were denied entry into Canada despite having valid travel documents. 

The city says in a news release that the refusal marked a "significant historical incident of systemic discrimination."

Mayor Ken Sim says in the release that the naming is a "meaningful step" toward building a more inclusive city.

The city says it will seek public input for the design of the road sign and public education materials for Komagata Maru Place, with an unveiling ceremony planned for later this year.

It says it also hopes to enhance the Komagata Maru Monument at Harbour Park.

City council also plans to recognize the cultural and historical significance of the 2nd Avenue Gurdwara site in the city's Kitsilano neighbourhood.

"This is a historically significant location in relation to the Komagata Maru incident, as this was the site where the local South Asian community mobilized to support the passengers," the release says. "Future initiatives will further explore other areas of historical and cultural significance to the South Asian Canadian communities in Vancouver."

 

MORE National ARTICLES

BOC raises concern that debt poses to Cdn economy

BOC raises concern that debt poses to Cdn economy
The central bank is also warning that financial stability could be threatened by a potential major cyber attack and more frequent extreme weather events associated with climate change.   

BOC raises concern that debt poses to Cdn economy

WestJet starts to cancel flights as pilot strike looms, negotiations in stalemate

WestJet starts to cancel flights as pilot strike looms, negotiations in stalemate
The Calgary-based company has begun to park the bulk of its fleet — 105 narrow-body 737s and seven wide-body 787 Dreamliners — using a "measured, phased and safe approach," the statement read.  

WestJet starts to cancel flights as pilot strike looms, negotiations in stalemate

Suspect driving taxi erratically arrested

Suspect driving taxi erratically arrested
Officers flooded the area and used their vehicles to block the taxi in, arresting its driver, who was taken to hospital with minor injuries. Police say the investigation is in its early stages, but they believe the taxi was stolen in a carjacking incident.

Suspect driving taxi erratically arrested

Wildfire smoke continues to spread throughout BC

Wildfire smoke continues to spread throughout BC
Michael Mehta, a professor of geography and environmental studies at Thompson Rivers University, is encouraging people to wear face masks in smoky areas. He says the risks associated with wildfire smoke are numerous and serious, but they're not always understood by the public.

Wildfire smoke continues to spread throughout BC

Shooting in Coquitlam sends one to hospital, RCMP believe it to be targeted incident

Shooting in Coquitlam sends one to hospital, RCMP believe it to be targeted incident
Officers were called to the David Avenue and Coast Meridian Road area around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. When they arrived, they found a man with life-threatening gunshot injuries, and he was rushed to hospital.

Shooting in Coquitlam sends one to hospital, RCMP believe it to be targeted incident

B.C. municipal employee dies on the job after being hit by vehicle

B.C. municipal employee dies on the job after being hit by vehicle
Police in Oak Bay, a suburban community outside Victoria, confirm the man employed by the district was pronounced dead at the scene Wednesday morning. Police released few details about the incident, but say it occurred in the 1700-block of Monterey Avenue, near the Oak Bay fire and police department headquarters.

B.C. municipal employee dies on the job after being hit by vehicle