A stretch of Yonge St. will soon be designated as “Little Iran” – but the local councillor insists the move isn’t meant as an overture to the Ayatollah.
The portion of Yonge in Willowdale, between Cummer and Moore Park Aves., will be marked with a special street sign. It will be unveiled during a ceremony on Oct. 11 at Centre Park, which is nestled behind a Yonge St. plaza with a number of businesses that cater to Iranian expats.
In March, city council approved a motion by Willowdale’s councillor, Lily Cheng, to spend $5,000 of Sec. 37 money on the signage. That motion was seconded by Mayor Olivia Chow and supported by hundreds of emails from the community.
“This designation celebrates the incredible Iranian Canadian community who have made Willowdale their home, opened businesses, and shared their rich culture with the broader community,” Cheng was quoted as saying in a statement.
“It’s a recognition that’s long overdue — and it is entirely focused on culture, not politics.”
Willowdale Councillor Lily Cheng
In a letter to city council in March, the Iranian Canadian Builders’ Association said their community “is deeply enthusiastic about this project.” What’s now called Little Iran has roots in Toronto going back to the 1960s, it added.
Cheng’s statement said the Little Iran concept was also endorsed by the local MP, Liberal Ali Ehsassi. The statement added that the recognition is “not an endorsement of any foreign government or political party.”
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The theocratic regime in Iran is a longtime foe of Canada and its international allies.
Tehran is trying to resume co-operation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, with a group of European countries pursuing a return for sanctions against it related to a 2015 nuclear deal.
That follows the United States’ strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites in June, which came at the end of Tehran’s brief war with Israel.
Meanwhile, in January 2020, dozens of Canadians were killed when Iran shot down a Ukrainian International Airlines flight. Those victims were mourned this January at a five-year commemoration vigil held at a Richmond Hill theatre.
Cheng’s statement promised next month’s unveiling “will be a joyful celebration of Iranian heritage, featuring music, food and community spirit.” More details will be available at the councillor’s website, lilycheng.ca, closer to the date.
– With Toronto Sun files