New high school, new name in Amherstburg
A new high school is being built on Simcoe Street in the Town of Amherstburg, Ont. on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021. (Michelle Maluske/CTV Windsor)
Windsor, Ont. -
The $24-million high school being built in town will not have the name Amherst on it.
In a virtual committee meeting Monday, members voted against using the word Amherst or Amherstburg in their final list of names for consideration.
Its comes as a relief to Theresa Sims, with the Ska: Na Learning Centre.
“He (General Amherst) was an advocate for germ warfare against First Nations,” says Sims. “He wanted to use the smallpox blankets and share them with the First Nations in a way to eradicate us.”
The current high school is named after General Jeffery Amherst, a member of the British Army in the late 1700s.
According to the Dictionary of Canadian Biography, Amherst gave one of his Colonels’ “the detestable suggestion” to give smallpox to “dissident” members of the indigenous people in Canada.
Read Amherst’s biography here.
Sims says she would be happy with any name on the high school that reflected indigenous people or the area’s ties to the Underground Railroad.
“That’s good,” says Sims. “At least they’re recognizing people of colour which they haven’t for a very long time.”
The naming committee started with a list of 16 school names, and dwindled it down to four:
-North Star
-South West Unity
-South West Alliance
-Great Sauk Trail
The Board of Trustees of the Greater Essex County District School Board will now consider the four names, and make a final decision at an upcoming meeting.
The new high school in Amherstburg is now under construction and is slated to open to students in Fall 2022.
It will consolidate students from Western Secondary and General Amherst High School.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
U.S. President Biden says 'the world is better off' because of Trudeau
U.S. President Joe Biden thanked Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday, calling him a 'friend,' and adding 'the world is better off because of him.'
Justin Trudeau's set to go after the Liberals pick his replacement, what now?
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, announcing Monday that he intends to resign as Liberal leader and prime minister as soon as his party names his replacement, has set a series of political machinations in motion.
CRA to continue with capital tax changes despite prorogation: finance department
The federal government says the Canada Revenue Agency will continue to administer the capital gains tax, even though it hasn't passed in Parliament, which is prorogued until March 24.
Canada Post says most operations are back to normal, but some mail continues to be delayed
Canadians can expect full service for domestic parcels and on-time service guarantees, though Canada Post said some mail will continue to be delayed as it deals with a large amount of items.
Justin Trudeau steps down as Liberal leader. Who are the top contenders to replace him?
With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation as Liberal party leader, several well-known political faces may be waiting in the wings for their opportunity to take his place.
Canada could see a wave of mortgage renewals in 2025. Here is how some homeowners plan to navigate the payment shock.
At least 1.2 million Canadians are facing a mortgage renewal in 2025, and 85 per cent of those existing home loans were contracted when the Bank of Canada’s interest rate was at or below one per cent. Here's how some homeowners are planning to navigate the increased payments.
2 bodies are found in the landing gear of JetBlue plane at Florida airport
Two bodies were found in the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue aircraft at a South Florida airport, authorities said.
Trump's inauguration coincides with an unprecedented string of high-stakes security events in D.C.
The last time a president was inaugurated, there was a global pandemic and a violent siege at the very spot at the U.S. Capitol where the ceremony takes place. This time, the event is happening as part of an unprecedented string of high-stakes security events in the nation's capital.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck seek judge's approval of divorce settlement
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have settled their divorce and are asking a judge to finalize their breakup.
Kitchener
-
Waterloo Regional Police Service helps recover 20 stolen vehicles in Hamilton, Ont.
Waterloo Regional Police Services helped recover 20 stolen vehicles in Hamilton, Ont.
-
Uncertainty surrounds college semester in Ontario as strike deadline looms
Students at Ontario’s 24 public colleges are beginning their winter semester under the cloud of a potential strike.
-
Brantford General Hospital experiencing 'significantly higher patient volumes'
Anyone headed to the Brantford General Hospital emergency department may have a long wait ahead of them.
London
-
One person arrested in connection to suspicious death in north London
Police have arrested a man in connection to a suspicious death investigation that took place in the north end of the city.
-
Snow squall watch in effect for London area
We’re in for a brisk start to the week, set to continue for the foreseeable future.
-
Winter weather driving safety tips from the OPP
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are reminding motorists to keep their vehicles clear of frost, snow, and ice while driving this winter.
Barrie
-
Police warn about ‘aggressive text scam’ circulating locally
The Barrie police fraud unit is warning residents about an “aggressive text messaging scam” it says is circulating locally.
-
Yellow Alert by Canada Post in effect in Simcoe County
Canada Post has issued a statement indicating yellow alerts for delivery are still in effect in some areas.
-
Second degree murder charges after fatal stabbing
One man succumbed to his injuries after being stabbed Saturday.
Northern Ontario
-
Snowmobile driver suffers life-altering injuries in New Year's Eve crash
Ontario Provincial Police are investigating a northern snowmobile crash that sent a man to hospital with life-altering injuries on New Year's Eve.
-
Northeastern Ont. police lay 139 impaired driving charges in six weeks
Efforts to reduce impaired driving in northeastern Ontario appear to be working in some communities, but are still high as provincial police release results of their Holiday season sobriety checks.
-
New threshold for reporting collisions in Ontario
Ontario has increased the threshold dictating when drivers are required to report a collision to police.
Sault Ste. Marie
-
Northeastern Ont. police lay 139 impaired driving charges in six weeks
Efforts to reduce impaired driving in northeastern Ontario appear to be working in some communities, but are still high as provincial police release results of their Holiday season sobriety checks.
-
Northwestern OPP share winter road safety tips
Police in northwestern Ontario are sharing tips to remain safe on the roads during cold winter weather.
-
Northwestern Ont. police seek help with historic robbery investigation
The Kenora Ontario Provincial Police detachment is requesting the public's assistance in identifying a suspect in a previously reported robbery.
Ottawa
-
Ford not focused on Ontario snap election amid U.S. tariff threat, federal turmoil
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he's focused on fighting a proposed tariff threat from incoming U.S. president Donald Trump, not an early snap election, amid ongoing turmoil political on Parliament Hill.
-
Ottawa mayor says prorogation of parliament gives city time to work with MPs on transit funding request
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe says he remains optimistic that the City of Ottawa will eventually get the transit funding it has requested from the federal government, despite Monday's announcement by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that Parliament has been prorogued and that he intends to step aside as Liberal leader and prime minister.
-
Two taken to hospital in early morning South Keys fire
Two people were taken to hospital after an early morning house fire in Ottawa's South Keys neighbourhood on Tuesday.
Toronto
-
Ontario launches border-strengthening operation as Trump tariff threat looms
The Ontario government says it has launched an operation intended to beef up security along the border with the United States.
-
Canada could see a wave of mortgage renewals in 2025. Here is how some homeowners plan to navigate the payment shock.
At least 1.2 million Canadians are facing a mortgage renewal in 2025, and 85 per cent of those existing home loans were contracted when the Bank of Canada’s interest rate was at or below one per cent. Here's how some homeowners are planning to navigate the increased payments.
-
Florida man wanted by Toronto police in criminal harassment investigation
A Florida man who police say has been pursuing a relationship with a Toronto resident for years -- despite being asked to stop -- allegedly crossed the border and travelled to their home in an attempt to meet them.
Montreal
-
Health authorities advise caution as flu season intensifies
Quebec's Health and Social Service Ministry says the influenza season is intensifying while cases of the common cold are stabilizing. However, the situation could change rapidly as students gradually return to school this week.
-
'It was the right decision': Quebec politicians, residents react to Trudeau resignation
Elected officials in Quebec were quick to react to the major announcement in Ottawa Monday about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the path forward for the federal Liberal Party.
-
After watching brother Cole win gold, Lane Hutson puts on show for Canadiens
Lane Hutson landed in Montreal after a long Canadiens road trip Sunday afternoon and jumped in a car to Ottawa, hoping to watch his younger brother, Cole, win world junior gold.
Winnipeg
-
Vacant Winnipeg church goes up in flames
Freezing temperatures created challenging conditions as crews battled a blaze at a vacant church on Monday.
-
Man charged with voyeurism at Winnipeg fitness facility
A 26-year-old man has been charged with voyeurism after he allegedly snapped photos of a child undressing in a change room at a Winnipeg fitness facility.
-
Winnipeggers urged to be cautious after block heaters potentially cause 3 fires
Block heaters are a near non-negotiable in the dead of winter as plugging in your car can be the difference between hitting the road or being left out in the cold; however, improper use can spark even bigger problems.
Edmonton
-
Justin Trudeau steps down as Liberal leader. Who are the top contenders to replace him?
With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation as Liberal party leader, several well-known political faces may be waiting in the wings for their opportunity to take his place.
-
Oilers on torrid pace as Bruins search for winning edge
Edmonton makes the cross-country trek to continue a four-game road trip following a 4-2 win Sunday at the Seattle Kraken, its third straight victory and 14th in the last 18 games (14-3-1).
-
'We're in an epidemic': Deaths of two women in alleged domestic abuse cases raising red flags
Advocates for domestic abuse survivors say the deaths of an Edmonton woman and a Calgary mother and her father over the holidays shows domestic abuse is an “epidemic.”
Calgary
-
Calgary's lone Liberal MP thanks Trudeau, but says it was time for him to go
Justin Trudeau's announcement on Monday that he intends to resign as prime minister and Liberal leader was needed 'to move our country forward,' says Calgary's only Liberal MP.
-
WEATHER
WEATHER Daytime highs hover around 5 C under chinook conditions this week
Westerly winds will continue to flow across the southern Rockies elevating temperatures east of the range.
-
Trio of Calgary artists paint a picture of evolving landscape in Canadian Rockies
Three Calgary artists are drawing inspiration from a week-long residency in the heart of Rogers Pass, aimed at connecting Canadians with the natural wonders and history of Glacier National Park.
Regina
-
Regina police lay murder charge in connection with December homicide
Regina police say a 21-year-old man has been charged with second degree murder in connection to a homicide that took place on Dec.3.
-
Regina saw a record number home sales in 2024, report says
Above average home sales throughout 2024 translated into a record year for Regina that saw nearly 4,000 sales made.
-
'We welcome you': Regina's Carmichael Outreach hoping to help neighbouring homeless encampment
Carmichael Outreach has seen a busy start to the new year due to cold weather hitting Regina. On a regular day, the charity organization sees around 50 people come through their doors.
Vancouver
-
Support for federal Conservatives on the rise in B.C.: new poll
We’re learning more about how British Columbians plan to vote in the next federal election following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s bombshell resignation.
-
'Aggressive cougar' closes popular Vancouver Island hiking trail
Authorities have ordered the closure of a popular hiking trail on Vancouver Island due to the presence of an 'aggressive cougar.'
-
Study reveals annual activity of sneezing sea sponge off B.C. coast
A study into the behaviour of a sea sponge off the coast of British Columbia has revealed the animals have the humanlike ability to sneeze.
Vancouver Island
-
'Aggressive cougar' closes popular Vancouver Island hiking trail
Authorities have ordered the closure of a popular hiking trail on Vancouver Island due to the presence of an 'aggressive cougar.'
-
Support for federal Conservatives on the rise in B.C.: new poll
We’re learning more about how British Columbians plan to vote in the next federal election following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s bombshell resignation.
-
Study reveals annual activity of sneezing sea sponge off B.C. coast
A study into the behaviour of a sea sponge off the coast of British Columbia has revealed the animals have the humanlike ability to sneeze.
Atlantic
-
Six Maritimers killed by domestic violence in three months, raising urgent calls for action
Six lives have been lost to domestic violence across the Maritimes in the past three months, sparking renewed calls for intervention and preventive measures.
-
Another round of snow on the way for western Cape Breton
Another round of snow is in store for western Cape Breton.
-
Names of double homicide victims in Chipman, N.B., released by police
Police in New Brunswick have released the names of two people who were killed in Chipman, N.B., late last year.
N.L.
-
Newfoundland and Labrador energy deal with Quebec under scrutiny as debate opens
Newfoundland and Labrador politicians are digging into the details of the province's draft energy deal with Quebec as four days of debate begin today in St. John's, N.L.
-
Part of street washed away and state of emergency declared in N.L. town after storm
Damaging winds and pounding surf that washed away part of a street in a small northeastern town in Newfoundland on Sunday triggered a state of emergency in the coastal community.
-
Newfoundland residents seek answers, assurance as Quebec energy deal heads for debate
About 50 people gathered in a St. John's, N.L., gymnasium on a recent rainy night to seek answers about a massive energy deal with Hydro-Quebec trumpeted by the Newfoundland and Labrador government as a new chapter in the province's history.
