September 28, 2025 - A large gathering celebrated the life and times of Jack Layton at a tribute, Remembering Jack – A Legacy of Hope and Action, for the former NDP leader on Aug. 22.

Layton passed away from cancer in 2011 and the event was held at the bronze tandem bike sculpture of him by the Jack Layton Ferry terminal in Toronto.

The MC was Bob Gallagher, Layton’s former Chief of Staff, an activist for the LGBTQ community in Toronto who noted that Layton was a big supporter.

Layton was also an active cyclist and promoted cycling with his wife, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, who recalled their many adventures on their tandem, which ultimately led to the stunning bronze bike sculpture by Toronto artist David Pellettier.

Chow recalled that Jack was an activist who dreamed big and formed the “Bring Back the Don” task force to revitalize the Don River when it was considered dead. Together with 10,000 volunteers they brought it back, and today even salmon can be found swimming in the Don River.

Mike Layton recalled the many people who told him how his father 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.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and many city councillors were on hand to honour Layton’s legacy. Steven
Page of Barenaked Ladies closed out the celebration with a fabulous and energizing rendition of “Brian Wilson” for the crowd.