“A street name is an address, not a statement” – Prince Andrew Drive name stays in Caledon East

By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On November 25, Councillor Doug Maskell brought forward a motion to rename ‘Prince Andrew Drive' located in Ward 3.

The proposed name change was brought forward after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, Duke of York, stated that he would stop using his royal titles due to “continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family”; and after the King announced he had “initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honors of Prince Andrew.”

Mountbatten-Windsor faces a number of allegations related to his association with Jeffrey Epstein, but has vigorously denied the allegations. 

During the November meeting, Maskell said he finds it “absolutely repugnant now that we have a street name named after someone who does not represent the values of our community anymore.”

When the motion was first brought forward to change the street name, an amendment was put forward by Councillor Christina Early that the motion be referred to Staff for public notice, consultation and the acceptance of affected residents, and that staff report on the consultation results by the end of 2025.

During the December 16 Council meeting, the staff report presented recommended that Prince Andrew Drive be renamed McKee Drive North, an extension of an existing street.

In the report, it was shared that the affected property owners would be granted the maximum compensation of $250 for costs incurred.

The report stated staff delivered notification letters to the four affected properties, and that three of the property owners provided verbal and written feedback, all opposing the proposed street name change because of “the personal disruption and financial burden it would cause.”

Regarding the name change of “McKee Drive North,” one of the property owners acknowledged the rationale for the proposed change but expressed concern that “McKee Drive North” is unrelated to the royal theme of the extant name and suggested alternatives.

Staff reviewed the alternatives and found that they are all either already in use or do not meet current street naming criteria. 

Despite opposition, Staff recommended the name change in the report presented.

During the Council meeting, three residents of Prince Andrew Drive spoke against the name change.

Joseph Caprara, a resident of the street, shared that the opposition to the name change “is not a defense of any individual, and it's not a political or moral debate.”

“This is about whether this is a fair and reasonable municipal decision, given the real impacts on residents,” said Caprara.

Caprara noted that the street name currently poses no safety issues or confusion for emergency services, adding, “Prince Andrew Drive functions exactly the way the street name is meant to function.”

“Acting on values is one thing. Requiring residents to change their legal address, update records, and absorb inconvenience and costs is another,” said Caprara.

He noted the process each resident would have to go through when it comes to changing records, official documentation, deliveries, and more, which he said causes stress and confusion: “Changing a street name is not just a sign on a pole.”

“Treating street names as a statement creates instability and uncertainty, and residents are the ones who pay the price,” said Caprara. “A street name is an address, not a statement.”

Delegates that night also raised concern about the lack of prior consultation they faced, with notice arriving after it first appeared before Council.

“When people are asked for feedback about a decision that does not shift regardless of what they say, it can feel like the consultation is more about checking the box than genuinely weighing residents' concerns,” said Caprara, noting Staff's decision to recommend the name change.

Caprara added that, on top of that, there is an emotional aspect to the street name, with many of them having been there for numerous years; one couple has lived on the street for 42 years.

Renaldo Benacquista said his parents have lived on the street since 1982 and he has seen the stress this situation has caused in his parents.

“The change would cause us a lot of grief,” he said, noting the amount of work his parents would have to go through, a process that he shares they don't fully understand.

Delegates continued to raise points about financial implications exceeding the suggested compensation amount, administrative burdens, and the impacts they would face.

The motion was defeated, and the name Prince Andrew Drive will remain in Caledon East.