An insight into Dundee and Scotland’s influence in Toronto

Dundee and Toronto have a lot in common. (Picture: Craig Doogan • Michael Muraz)

The Dundee Culture collaboration with Mackenzie House in Toronto continues to shine a spotlight on the enduring ties between Dundee, Scotland, and Canada’s largest city.

This week is Tartan Week, which is celebrated in North America, and what better way to celebrate than releasing the next piece of content which explores the profound influence of Dundee and Scotland on Toronto, with a particular focus on the remarkable legacy of William Lyon Mackenzie.

Born in Dundee, Mackenzie carried the grit and determination of the city across the Atlantic to Canada, where he left an indelible mark as Toronto’s first mayor and a passionate advocate for political reform.

His journey from a Scottish city known for its resilience to a burgeoning Canadian metropolis reflects a broader story of cultural and historical connections that still resonate today.

Mackenzie’s story is just one thread in the rich tapestry of Dundee’s influence on Toronto.

Across the city, echoes of Scotland and its heritage are woven into the urban landscape.

St. Andrew’s Church, for instance, stands as a proud testament to this legacy, preserving the name and spirit of Scotland’s patron saint. The name also is the title of the subway station which St Andrew’s Church is based in.

Dundee and Toronto both have churches named after St Andrew which are both located on streets called King Street. (Picture: Google)

Also on an interesting note, Dundee has its own St Andrew’s Church which is located on a street called King’s Street, much like Toronto’s equivalent.

Street and institution names

Toronto’s neighbourhoods further illustrate this Dundee and Scottish connection.

Dundas Street—a name instantly recognisable to any Torontonian — stretches across Toronto, serving as a vital artery through the city.

Dundas Square. (Picture: Wikimedia Commons)

While “Dundee” itself traces its origins to the Gaelic “fort fire,” suggesting a beacon of strength, “Dundas” is derived from “south fort,” hinting at a shared linguistic and historical lineage.

But tapping into more detail about Toronto’s Dundas Street, it derives from Henry Dundas, who was born in Edinburgh, situated 50 miles from Dundee.

Dundas is also the name of a settlement near Edinburgh as well as well as a Scottish clan which originates in the lowlands of Scotland in West Lothian region.

These names are more than mere coincidences; they are markers of a deep-rooted Scottish presence that has shaped Toronto’s identity.

In the northwest suburb of York, Dundee Drive quietly honours the link between the two places, a very subtle yet meaningful nod to Mackenzie’s birthplace.

Dundee Drive is located in Toronto’s York neighbourhood, the former name of the city before William Lyon Mackenzie was mayor. (Picture: Google)

Meanwhile, the William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute, a semestered high school, proudly bears the name of the Dundee-born reformer.

This educational institution serves as a living tribute to Mackenzie’s legacy, reminding students and residents alike of his contributions to Toronto’s political and social fabric.

The Dundee Corporation

Beyond street names and churches, Dundee’s influence extends into Toronto’s economic and cultural spheres.

Take Dundee Corporation, a major public holding company based in Toronto, as an example. While its name may evoke the Scottish city, its significance lies in its focus on the resource and investment industries, particularly mining.

The choice of the name “Dundee” likely nods to a heritage of industriousness—perhaps inspired by the Scottish city’s own history of trade and innovation—while reflecting the company’s ambitions in the resource sector.

A spirit that still thrives

Through these landmarks—whether streets, schools, or businesses—the spirit of Dundee and Scotland continues to thrive in Toronto, bridging the distance between the two cities.

Together, these elements paint a vivid picture of Dundee’s enduring legacy in Toronto, a legacy personified by William Lyon Mackenzie and sustained through cultural, historical, and economic ties.

From the fiery determination of Mackenzie to the quiet presence of a street sign, the story of Dundee, and Scotland, in Toronto is one of resilience, adaptation, and lasting impact.