Ford Street? Toronto street could be named after late mayor

A debate has sparked across the internet regarding the naming of three new streets in Etobicoke.

The reason for the debate? Well, some of the names on the list are perhaps a bit more unpopular than others. Among the candidates on a shortlist by the city is the former mayor of Toronto, Rob Ford.

Ford, who attracted international media attention during his time as mayor of the city. Not all of the media coverage was flattering. On the contrary, Ford himself even once stated that his behaviour—the behaviour that involved smoking crack—”embarrassed everyone in the city.”

Ford’s name is obviously not the only name being considered for the new intersection northeast of the Kipling metro station. Other contestants include graphic artist Darwyn Cooke, feminist rights activist Dr. Judith Pilowsky, and long-time Etobicoke resident and legendary Blue Jays broadcaster Jerry Howarth.

The Ford name, though, is what has gathered the most attention. The situation rings similar to another Ford-naming fiasco, in which an Etobicoke stadium was nearly named after the late mayor. That suggestion, which was put forth by Ford’s older brother and now-Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, was also backed by current Mayor John Tory. The proposal was later rejected by the city council.

Ford died of cancer on March 2016.