PROTESTS will now be held at the Free Ukraine Square, across from the Russian consulate general in Toronto. Courtesy photo.
The City is installing Free Ukraine steet signs in front of the Russian consulate general in downtown Toronto, which is now called ‘Free Ukraine Square.’
The area in front of the Consulate General of the Russian Federation, at 60 St. Clair Avenue, has been declared ‘Free Ukraine Square’ by the City of Toronto.
The initiative was approved by City council on March 8 to name the area ‘Free Ukraine Square.’
FREE UKRAINE Street signs like these in Ottawa are being installed in Toronto.
The Consulate General is located just east of Yonge Street on the fifth floor.
The move was spearheaded by Councillor Josh Matlow, in whose riding the consulate is located, along with Mayor John Tory and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.
“Canada’s Ukrainian community is such an important thread in our country’s multicultural mosaic,” Matlow said. “I am proud to stand with them in solidarity against Russian aggression and in support of Ukraine’s right to sovereignty, freedom, peace and security.”
He said the area of St. Clair Avenue between Yonge and Avoca will be known as “Free Ukraine Square.”
There will be an unveiling of the square with Mayor Tory, Matlow and members of the Ukrainian community on March 20.
REFUGEES fleeing Ukraine. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
“Toronto stands in solidarity with Ukraine. Moving forward, St. Clair Ave. (between Yonge and Avoca- in front of the Russian Consulate) will now be known as “Free Ukraine Square,” Matlow said on social media.
Similar renaming plans have been occurring in other cities around the world following the Russian invasion of Ukraine almost a month ago. There have been regular protest rallies at the site since the war began.
“The Ukrainian Canadian Congress fully supports your initiative to rename the stretch of St. Clair Ave. E between Ferndale and Avoca Ave to “Free Ukraine Square,” wrote Peter Schturyn, president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.
“It is through many such initiatives that we can put pressure on Russia and its regime to stop the senseless killing of innocents in Ukraine.”
Matlow said “Free Ukraine” street signs are also being installed around the Russian consulate.
“We are working with city staff now to add these signs as soon as possible as another important gesture of solidarity with the people of Ukraine,” Tory said.
The Ukrainian flag is also flying at Toronto city hall.