Mississauga City Council has voted unanimously to keep the name Duke of York Boulevard, but to permanently remove any association with Prince Andrew, who previously held the title. The decision comes after renewed calls to rename the high-profile downtown street following years of controversy surrounding Andrew’s ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Instead of renaming the street entirely, council approved a motion by Deputy Mayor John Kovac to “reassociate” the name, removing all symbolic links to the disgraced royal — matching Buckingham Palace’s own actions stripping Andrew of his titles.
The city will also immediately remove all plaques and non-essential signage referencing Andrew, and staff have been directed to report back with new measures supporting efforts to combat human trafficking.
Why Not Rename the Street?
Council noted that renaming Duke of York Boulevard — a major downtown artery — would come with significant logistical issues:
- The road runs through Wards 4 and 7
- It contains over 1,400 residential and business addresses
- Major institutions like Sheridan College and Square One use the street in branding and wayfinding
- Residents and businesses would face costs and risks tied to changing official addresses (licenses, insurance, IDs)
City staff also reported “significant costs” for a full renaming.
Background
The street was originally named after Prince Andrew following his 1987 visit to Mississauga to open the Civic Centre alongside Sarah Ferguson. But his name has since become controversial following multiple sex-related allegations and his widely reported association with Jeffrey Epstein.
Calls to rename the street reignited after Buckingham Palace initiated the formal removal of Andrew’s remaining titles. Advocacy groups, including the Peel Human Trafficking Service Providers Committee, urged the city to take action.
While Mayor Carolyn Parrish had initially floated “York Boulevard” as a potential new name, council ultimately opted for symbolic dissociation rather than a full renaming.
Next Steps
City staff will:
- Remove all commemorative or honorary references to Prince Andrew
- Consult with human trafficking prevention groups
- Return to council with further recommendations
Duke of York Boulevard — the name tied to centuries of history beyond one individual — will remain, but its connection to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is officially severed.