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Honouring Jack: Toronto Ferry Terminal to be Renamed

Jack Layton Ferry Terminal: Toronto City Council to Honour former Councillor, NDP Leader

May 31, 2012

TORONTO - The Toronto Island Ferry Terminal will be renamed the “Jack Layton Ferry Terminal” in honour of the late City and Metro Councillor and Leader of Canada’s Official Opposition. Mayor Rob Ford will ask City Council to approve the honour next week.

“Jack sat next to me in Council when I was first elected, and he taught me a lot about politics,” said Mayor Rob Ford. “Renaming the Toronto Island Ferry Terminal in memory of Jack is a fitting tribute. Not only did he represent waterfront communities during his career as an elected representative, but he was also a great supporter of the Island Public School and helped save Island residents’ homes.”

Toronto City Council is expected to consider a report from the Mayor recommending the renaming of Toronto Island Ferry Terminal on Wednesday, June 6 or Thursday, June 7.

“Some of my fondest childhood memories are taking the ferry to the island and spending time with my family” said Toronto City Councillor Mike Layton. “I thank Mayor Ford and Councillors McConnell, Fletcher, Kelly and Nunziata for suggesting such a suitable and great honour to my father’s memory.”

“About 1.4 million Torontonians gather at the ferry docks each year to travel to the Islands to enjoy their beauty and tranquillity.” said Olivia Chow, Layton’s widow. “Our family shared many beautiful and special times there, so we are very grateful to Mayor Ford and his staff for this tribute.”

The Mayor’s report will recommend City Council waive the two-year waiting period, as outlined in the Honourific and Street Naming Policy and approve the renaming of the Toronto Island Ferry Terminal to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. Upon approval by Council, the General Manager of Parks Forestry and Recreation will begin the process to implement the name change at the terminal.

At the Mayor’s request, a committee of Councillors has been working with members of the Layton family for a number of months to consider an appropriate memorial honour for Mr. Layton. They unanimously recommended the Ferry Terminal.

The Honourable Jack Layton, PC, is a former member of Toronto City Council, Metropolitan Toronto Council and Member of Parliament for Toronto Danforth. Mr. Layton became leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada in 2003 and Leader of the Official Opposition in 2011. During Mr. Layton’s time in office, he worked to bring communities together, championed solutions on environmental issues, fought to expand access to affordable housing, and generated support across the country for addressing urban issues.