Selwyn Township Votes to Rename Prince Andrew Island

In Selwyn Township, Ontario, local officials are leading an effort to remove Prince Andrew's name from a small island in the municipality, citing the British royal's tarnished reputation amid ongoing legal and public scrutiny. The initiative, which gained attention this week, reflects growing community sentiment to distance public landmarks from figures associated with controversy.

The island, long known as Prince Andrew Island, sits in Katchewanooka Lake, a body of water central to the township's recreational and natural landscape. Township councillors voted earlier this month to support renaming the site, following a petition from residents who argued that honoring the Duke of York no longer aligns with community values. The move comes as Prince Andrew faces continued fallout from his involvement in a high-profile civil lawsuit related to allegations of sexual misconduct tied to Jeffrey Epstein, which he settled out of court in 2022 without admitting liability. Canadian officials have emphasized that the decision is driven by local concerns over historical naming conventions rather than direct political statements.

Mayor of Selwyn Township, Bill Patterson, described the push...