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The Toronto Island Ferry Terminal has been renamed in honour of former Toronto City Councillor and leader of the federal New Democratic Party, the late Jack Layton. Two years to the day after his death from an undisclosed form of cancer, Sid Ryan, President Ontario Federation of Labour, Jack's widow and Member of Parliament Olivia Chow, and son and Toronto City Councillor Mike Layton were amongst a crowd who gathered to pay tribute to the popular politician with the unveiling of a monument depicting Jack riding on the back seat of a tandem bicycle.
Layton was an avid cyclist, and the Toronto Island connection runs deep too; Layton and Olivia Chow were married on the island, and the family were frequent visitors, and defenders of the Wards Island community.
Jack's got your back. Stronger Together: The Layton Memorial, image by Craig White
The memorial was donated through fundraising by the Ontario Federation of Labour on behalf of the working people of Ontario. Built life-size, the monument was created by well-known Toronto artist David Pellettier. The $350,000 work welcomes visitors to sit and have their photo taken.
Chair of Toronto's Parks and Environment Committee, City Councillor Paul Ainslie said "We are pleased to see this area enhanced by the infusion of art. This sculpture and message work together to create a positive greeting to all enjoying our City's waterfront parks and Islands." "Jack loved the city of Toronto, Toronto Islands, and most of all, the people of Toronto," said Chow. "How fitting that this sculpture will serve as a reminder to the people of Toronto and visitors to the waterfront that Jack always had their back."
A number of changes are underway at the terminal to improve the public's experience at this Toronto Island gateway. This sculpture is not the only new art there; the City, along with partners, engaged local children to express themselves through art by drawing their "favourite things" at Toronto Island and along the waterfront. Drawings were selected for banners that were recently installed along the terminal path. There is also a mosaic mural and a temporary public art project beside the ferry boat waiting area.
