The Township of Russell won't change its name, but it will begin searching for a new Russell to name itself after. The eastern Ontario township's council voted Monday to officially renounce its original namesake, Peter Russell, over his historical ties to slavery, and to "rededicate" the community in someone else's honour — someone else named Russell. The only requirement for the new namesake: that the person have either the first, middle or last name Russell. A portrait of Peter Russell, an administrator in the early 19th-century government of Upper Canada. Jamie Laurin voted against the motion, arguing a rededication wouldn't be necessary if council clearly denounced Peter Russell.

Source: CBC News July 07, 2020 15:00 UTC