August 23, 2025 - A large gathering of people came together on a warm summer evening to celebrate the life and times of Jack Layton at a tribute, “Remembering Jack – A Legacy of Hope and Action”, for the former NDP leader, that was held at the bronze bike sculpture of him by the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal in Toronto on Aug. 22.
MC’d by Bob Gallagher, Layton’s former Chief of Staff, the celebration saw many speakers including Olivia Chow, Layton’s wife and now the Mayor of Toronto, and his son Mike Layton, a former Toronto city councillor, along with performances by Steven Page of Barenaked Ladies fame.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford was also present to honour Layton’s legacy along with many city councillors.
Jack Layton passed away in 2011 from cancer and Gallagher, an activist for the LGBTQ community in Toronto, noted that Layton was a big supporter. “Whether it was organizing against bathhouse raids, defending men with HIV/AIDS, or fighting for same-sex marriage, Jack showed up,” he commented.
The celebration began with Duke Redbird, an elder from the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, a poet, filmmaker and activist, who met Layton as a young reporter and came to know him a great supporter of diversity. Redbird acknowledged the land being used for the evening celebrations with a blessing in Layton’s honour – video of his blessing is here.
Layton was also an active cyclist and promoted cycling with his wife, Mayor Olivia Chow, who recalled their many adventures on their tandem which ultimately led to the stunning bronze bike sculpture of Jack by Toronto artist, David Pellettier, that was unveiled in 2013.
Chow recalled that Jack was an activist who dreamed big and wanted to revitalize the Don River that had been considered dead. Like water that flows around obstacles, Layton persevered and formed the “Bring Back the Don” task force that began cleanup efforts.
Layton knew that the power to drive change comes when activists are connected to the government and he did just that with city planner David Stonehouse. Together with 10,000 volunteers they brought back the Don River along with the largest new park that Toronto has seen in a generation. Biidaasige Park opened in mid-July, and today even salmon can found swimming in the Don River.
It was Layton’s boundless hope and infectious energy that helped big dreams come to life, where everyone has a place and the opportunity to grow. “Don’t just remember Jack, find your own Don River, something that everyone says can’t be solved, and dream big because change is possible. Jack’s got your back, we’re stronger together,” concluded Chow – video of her speech is here.
Mike Layton recounted that over the years many, many people would take him aside and share a positive story about how Jack had touched their lives. His father told him to always have a dream that’s longer than a lifetime because, “if those dreams could come true tomorrow then you’re probably not dreaming big enough.”
He thanked everyone for coming noting the many councillors past and present in attendance, including Premier Doug Ford. “I understand Premier that you’ve offered Olivia a ride home after some festivities happening later on, and I’d offer to tune up the actual tandem bike, but please do us all a favour and perhaps use our favourite section of the Bloor St. bike lanes to get her home,” he quipped – video of his speech is here.
Steven Page closed out the celebration with a fabulous and energizing rendition of “Just Like Brian Wilson Did”, as fans then took the opportunity for photo ops and signing a plaque “Remembering Jack”.
The celebration was hosted by the Institute for Change Leaders here and the Douglas Coldwell Layton Foundation here.
