What to know
- Mayoral candidate Brad Bradford has proposed renaming Sankofa Square to Toronto Square as part of a broader revitalization plan.
- His proposal includes increased cleaning standards, a permanent police substation, expanded mental health outreach and more year-round programming.
- Bradford says the plan would be funded through private partnerships rather than property taxes.
- Torontonians interviewed by Now Toronto expressed mixed views, with some supporting the name change and others arguing the city should prioritize issues such as homelessness and programming.
Torontonians are weighing in after mayoral candidate Brad Bradford unveiled a plan to revamp Sankofa Square, including renaming the downtown landmark to Toronto Square.
Bradford announced the proposal Monday at the square, calling it one of the first major policy announcements of his mayoral campaign. His plan aims to “restore” the space, which he described as dirty, neglected and unsafe.
“This is the first thing visitors see of our city, and right now it tells them we have given up,” Bradford said in a news release. “It is dirty, it is unsafe, and families walk a little faster to get through it. That is not a tragedy. It is a choice, and I am making a different one.”
Bradford promises safety, cleanliness and more programming
As part of his proposal, Bradford says the city would establish publicly reported standards for cleanliness and safety at the square while creating a permanent police substation staffed by existing officers.
He also pledged to expand outreach and mental health support for people experiencing crisis, while increasing year-round programming, including cultural events, food vendors, retail activations and live performances.
Candidate wants to rename the square again
A key part of Bradford’s proposal is changing the name from Sankofa Square to Toronto Square.
If approved, it would mark the second name change in recent years. The square was renamed Sankofa Square in 2025 after previously being known as Yonge-Dundas Square.
Bradford himself voted in favour of renaming the square to Sankofa during his time on city council.
The mayoral candidate says the latest rebrand and the broader improvements would not be funded through property taxes. Instead, he proposes partnering with what he described as an “iconic” Canadian brand, with support from advertisers and businesses operating in the area.
“Not one dollar of this lands on your property tax bill,” Bradford said. “The people who profit from that corner can help us restore it. I want a city we can be proud of again. Not someday. Now.”
Torontonians offer mixed reactions
The proposal has sparked mixed reactions from Torontonians.
Ry G. told Now Toronto he believes the city has more pressing priorities than another name change.
“Why are we spending so much money on something that doesn’t really matter?” he said. “I think it’s better to invest in the homelessness crisis. I’m not a big fan of this.”
He also disagreed with Bradford’s characterization of the square.
“If you look around, there’s kids walking around, there are families with their kids. I don’t think people are genuinely that frightened of Sankofa Square,” he said.
Maxim, another Toronto resident, said he doesn’t mind the proposed name change.
“We live in Toronto,” he said.
He added that while the square appears cleaner during the FIFA-related events taking place downtown, that’s not always the case.
“Usually it’s dirtier. I would not say it’s unsafe, it’s safe, I would say.”
Karen H. said she opposes changing the name again, arguing the city should instead focus on programming.
“We just spent a lot of money changing it to Sankofa Square. I don’t see the point in changing it again,” she said. “Bring more programming to the square, and use the money for that instead of changing signs again.”
Virginia M., meanwhile, supports the proposal.
“We are in Toronto, and Toronto has been our name for a long time, so I wouldn’t have an issue with it,” she said.
