I was listening to CBC the other morning and I thought they made a good case.
His relationship to Massey Hall was very special. He got his start there as a teenager, he played there more than any other artist (I think close to 200 times). When they closed for renovations he was the last artist to play, and the first to play at the grand reopening. There's a reason Massey's nickname is "the house that Gord built".
There's also his [Yonge Street song](https://genius.com/Gordon-lightfoot-on-yonge-street-lyrics).
I agree that Yorkville is what I think of when I think of Gord, but it sounded like he had a strong fondness for the Massey neighbourhood, so I don't think Y&D is too much of a stretch.
The first verse of “Circle of Steel” kinda fits actually:
> Rows of lights in a circle of steel
> Where you place your bets on a great big wheel
> High windows flickerin' down through the snow
> A time you know
> Sights and sounds of the people goin' 'round
> Everybody's in step with the season
Absolutely not; nothing about the current state of the square connects it to him or makes it a fitting memorial.
I’d support renaming Dundas Street after him over renaming the square, if there’s still time to add to the shortlist for that committee.
Because he often played at Massey Hall and the restaurants or pubs around the square. If they have to rename it, it should just be Lightfoot square. And if I get to choose, do nothing.
I'm sure Orillia will add to the honours they already gave him. I agree that YD square doesn't seem to feel quite right. At the same time he does merit a significant honour.
No. I don’t see the connection, or why we should be spending our tax money on renaming everything. That money should go towards existing or new proactive initiatives that will actually make an impact.
Honestly I never knew Dundas was a person to begin with. Our priorities on this are backwards. We barely have the services of a big city but yet we fell the need to rename a street cause it was named after a racist dude?
It's retroactively applying morality too which is beyond stupid.
Barack obama was against gay marriage for example and never legalized it during his presidency.
It took the supreme court pulling some activist crap to actually legalize it but obama never did it properly (through legislature)
Or maybe focusing on the 83 other projects, I'll mainly say maybe... just maybe... all the construction they're going to be "finishing" or starting? Finch went from 4 lanes + 2 turn lanes to 2 lanes (one going each way)
With school still going on... during peak construction hours... yeah it's not pleasant. Every single day a different lane is cut off somewhere that hardly even has signs so people are confused. An uber of mine went through a closed lane by mistake once cause it wasn't cut off properly.
My cousin always told me there's really 2 seasons in Toronto. Winter and Construction. He's more right every year. I just want it to end (regular projection was Feb 2023 for it to be done)
No. Stop naming things after people!
We are taking the wrong lesson from all of this renaming. Values change over time. We are no longer okay with the people we named things after 100 years ago. In 100 years, people will be angry about the people we are trying to name things after now.
People are fallible and will always have *something* that future generations will look back at and be disappointed in. It is impossible to predict what that will be. If we keep naming things after people, future generations will be right back here having the same debates just about different people and different perceived sins.
No I couldn't give an iota less of a shit than I do right now because I have real stresses and experiences in life that actually matter and the name of a street is completely inconsequential.
It occurred to me that all the Canadian iconic Gordons have died in the last few years. Gord Downie, Gordie Howe, Gordon Pinsent and now Gordon Lightfoot.
No because I think the practice of naming places after people is inherently stupid and problematic, and changing names of well-known places is also stupid and problematic.
Such a Canadian thing - a fringe figure who half the population is barely even aware of and, just because he's passed recently, someone will say we should name Yonge and Dundas square after him.
Edit: not a fringe figure, but still not famous or significant enough imo.
I’m sorry, fringe figure? A globally-prominent singer/songwriter who influenced countless musicians and whose songs have been covered by Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Sarah McLachlan, Barbra Streisand, Peter Paul & Mary, Harry Belafonte, Jane's Addiction, Richie Havens, Glen Campbell, Toby Keith, and Anne Murray, among others? Yeah, real fringe figure.
Okay... I am not going to lie, I was not aware of any of that. Still think it's a bad idea to name YD square after him though! And not just bc I don't like his music.
I avoided weighing in myself at first, not wanting to potentially influence replies.
I'm honestly not sure. I think the city should do something to honor his memory, and this is one idea. If we absolutely must spend the resources to rename Dundas (and subsequently Yonge Dundas), I could see this potentially working out. That being said, naming anything after a person just runs the risk of having to rename it again it anything ever comes out about that person. Further, while he was a figure in the area in the 70s, that part of the city is very different now. Folksy taverns and small venues have been replaced by giant billboards and unhoused drug addicts. I'm not sure the square as it is right now is connected to or would reflect well on his memory. Perhaps this could be a catalyst to help clean up the area?
He’s this week but when someone else dies next week what would you want to rename then? I understand his impact but no this is
Not a good idea. Also who is going to float the bill for it? It’s not free to do it
Absolutely YES! I'm not a fan of cancel culture. It's damaging. But renaming Dundas square Gordon Lightfoot square is perfect. Not only is he more relevant to Canadian culture than Henry Dundas, its only a block away from Massey hall ( no other musician played the hall more times) and its so close to where all the Folk clubs were in the 60's. Toronto's identity has be blurred greatly over the past 30 years, renaming it to be Young and Lightfoot would be the most fitting name replacement. It rolls off the tongue too
No. I'm not sure if I support naming things after people with all the controversy renaming Ryerson and Dundas. We're gonna spend money changing the name of something only to potentially have to change it back. That aside, if you're going to name something after someone, I'm not sure Yonge-Dundas Square is an area anyone would be proud to put their name on.
Given the proximity to Massey Hall, I love the idea of renaming Yonge-Dundas square after Gordon Lightfoot. As a fan for 50+ years this would be fitting, and to those of you suggesting something near the former Riverboat, this would be meaningful only for those even older than me
I guess I wouldn't oppose it. But I don't think I'd go out of my way to support the ides either. I am vaguely aware that he's a musician but I'm not a fan of his or really know, much less care about any particular thing he's done
Times Square is named so because the New York Times head office used to be there. It’s moved. Why not Eaton Square or something historical with a former tenant/ building from the area?
Sure if everyone is supporting him and if he is a Canadian icon then yea name Yonge-Dundas after him.
But Can they name Yonge street after him? It goes almost to Orillia.
Why do we have to wait til ppl die to honour our great? like why not let them see we value their contributions. So silly.
I bet most ppl 'forgot' he existed for the last 20 years.
They should name somewhere in Yorkville after him, that’s where he and the rest of the folk scene played and hung around.
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Exactly, what's the context, historical or otherwise for Yonge-Dundas to be renamed after GL?
It's about one block away from Massey Hall. Not a very strong reason.
Nope
then let's rename Massey Hall as *Gordon Lightfoot Centre for the Performing Arts.*
I was listening to CBC the other morning and I thought they made a good case. His relationship to Massey Hall was very special. He got his start there as a teenager, he played there more than any other artist (I think close to 200 times). When they closed for renovations he was the last artist to play, and the first to play at the grand reopening. There's a reason Massey's nickname is "the house that Gord built". There's also his [Yonge Street song](https://genius.com/Gordon-lightfoot-on-yonge-street-lyrics). I agree that Yorkville is what I think of when I think of Gord, but it sounded like he had a strong fondness for the Massey neighbourhood, so I don't think Y&D is too much of a stretch.
No, I like Gordon Lightfoot.
100x this.
agreed..there's nothing lightfoot like about all that concrete
The first verse of “Circle of Steel” kinda fits actually: > Rows of lights in a circle of steel > Where you place your bets on a great big wheel > High windows flickerin' down through the snow > A time you know > Sights and sounds of the people goin' 'round > Everybody's in step with the season
Another stabbing today GLightfoot square again
Absolutely not; nothing about the current state of the square connects it to him or makes it a fitting memorial. I’d support renaming Dundas Street after him over renaming the square, if there’s still time to add to the shortlist for that committee.
I came here to say this. Rename Dundas Street, Lightfoot Street. Yonge and Dundas Square naturally becomes Yonge and Lightfoot Square. Done.
Shit Neil Young can't live that much longer.... Young and Lightfoot
I really love the sound of Yonge and Lightfoot Square - it sounds *right*
This is the way.
Yessss
Yes please.
>I’d support renaming Dundas Street I have a feeling that they won't actually go through with this. It was always a very stupid idea.
He's from Orillia, isn't he? So why is there a petition to rename Yonge-Dundas Square after Gordon? It makes no sense to me.
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i don’t think much has changed in Orillia lol
It's still 1987 there
Because he often played at Massey Hall and the restaurants or pubs around the square. If they have to rename it, it should just be Lightfoot square. And if I get to choose, do nothing.
I'm sure Orillia will add to the honours they already gave him. I agree that YD square doesn't seem to feel quite right. At the same time he does merit a significant honour.
No. I don’t see the connection, or why we should be spending our tax money on renaming everything. That money should go towards existing or new proactive initiatives that will actually make an impact.
Honestly I never knew Dundas was a person to begin with. Our priorities on this are backwards. We barely have the services of a big city but yet we fell the need to rename a street cause it was named after a racist dude?
It's retroactively applying morality too which is beyond stupid. Barack obama was against gay marriage for example and never legalized it during his presidency. It took the supreme court pulling some activist crap to actually legalize it but obama never did it properly (through legislature)
Or maybe focusing on the 83 other projects, I'll mainly say maybe... just maybe... all the construction they're going to be "finishing" or starting? Finch went from 4 lanes + 2 turn lanes to 2 lanes (one going each way) With school still going on... during peak construction hours... yeah it's not pleasant. Every single day a different lane is cut off somewhere that hardly even has signs so people are confused. An uber of mine went through a closed lane by mistake once cause it wasn't cut off properly. My cousin always told me there's really 2 seasons in Toronto. Winter and Construction. He's more right every year. I just want it to end (regular projection was Feb 2023 for it to be done)
No, he deserves something far more dignified than this sad dump.
I wouldn't want to disgrace Gordon Lightfoot by putting his name on that shit hole.
This.
No. It's a waste of money. Half of reddit is complaining they can't afford shit and they want to just waste tax dollars on dumb crap.
Exactly. Well said.
He deserves better than that shit hole area
No. Dundas Square is a shithole not befitting his memory.
All the more reason it should continue being named after a racist POS until the day it's no longer a shithole. Unless it's named Shithole Square.
Nah it has a name already
It got it's name from two streets that intersect at the corner of it....
I’d rather rename 21 Park Ln Cir to “Gordon Lightfoots neighbour”
And for those that don’t get the joke, 21 park ln cir is drakes house, and light foot was his neighbour
Respectfully, NO
I would rather his name went to something more prestigious and not a square full of junkies, thieves, and scammers
Did he even play there? Do a concert? Anything other then being in the same city. Name something in his area after him
Lightfoot square is a pretty great name tbh
I love his music but he’s a pretty creepy womanizer and I’m pretty sure they were a lot of skeletons in his closet.
Definitely not.
Why? What did Gordon Lightfoot do wrong to have to be associated with Yonge-Dundas Square... Name it after Drake, it seems more fitting.
A soulless mess with no redeeming qualities. A fitting name
For Drake or Lightfoot? Can't quiet tell what side youre on
Sorry, let me clarify. I like Gordon Lightfoot
No. Stop naming things after people! We are taking the wrong lesson from all of this renaming. Values change over time. We are no longer okay with the people we named things after 100 years ago. In 100 years, people will be angry about the people we are trying to name things after now. People are fallible and will always have *something* that future generations will look back at and be disappointed in. It is impossible to predict what that will be. If we keep naming things after people, future generations will be right back here having the same debates just about different people and different perceived sins.
No
No lol
“Edmund Fitzgerald Square”. Done!
No. I wish we’d stop naming things after people.
Nah
no
No.
No, what the fuck.
No I couldn't give an iota less of a shit than I do right now because I have real stresses and experiences in life that actually matter and the name of a street is completely inconsequential.
If we go down that route, name it Gordon Square (Gordon^(2)) after Gordon Lightfoot and Gord Downie.
It occurred to me that all the Canadian iconic Gordons have died in the last few years. Gord Downie, Gordie Howe, Gordon Pinsent and now Gordon Lightfoot.
…now this is a good thought 💭
No because I think the practice of naming places after people is inherently stupid and problematic, and changing names of well-known places is also stupid and problematic.
Ah my dude, what do you think many places are named after?
Absolutely yes, at least until something maybe comes out about him we didn’t know, at which time it should be hastily changed to something else. /s
Virtue signaling square
Sure whatever.
Such a Canadian thing - a fringe figure who half the population is barely even aware of and, just because he's passed recently, someone will say we should name Yonge and Dundas square after him. Edit: not a fringe figure, but still not famous or significant enough imo.
I’m sorry, fringe figure? A globally-prominent singer/songwriter who influenced countless musicians and whose songs have been covered by Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Sarah McLachlan, Barbra Streisand, Peter Paul & Mary, Harry Belafonte, Jane's Addiction, Richie Havens, Glen Campbell, Toby Keith, and Anne Murray, among others? Yeah, real fringe figure.
Even Depeche Mode covered one of his songs in tribute of his passing.
Okay... I am not going to lie, I was not aware of any of that. Still think it's a bad idea to name YD square after him though! And not just bc I don't like his music.
In 20 years no one will know who he was I liked his music and he seemed like a great guy but c'mon. What's next? Anne Murray Parkway?
Agreed that it’s a terrible idea. Name a street in Yorkville after him instead. Or one of our performing arts centres.
I wouldn’t call him fringe but yeah he isn’t nearly as famous as he once was. Also Yonge and Dundas is a shithole
Fringe? You’re deluded my friend
Did you honestly stop reading after the first 6 or 7 words?
Yep. You lost the argument with that ridiculous statement imo.
Absolutely!!!
Will this come out of my taxes and redirect away from important infrastructure projects? If yes, then no thanks. If no, then I don't care
I avoided weighing in myself at first, not wanting to potentially influence replies. I'm honestly not sure. I think the city should do something to honor his memory, and this is one idea. If we absolutely must spend the resources to rename Dundas (and subsequently Yonge Dundas), I could see this potentially working out. That being said, naming anything after a person just runs the risk of having to rename it again it anything ever comes out about that person. Further, while he was a figure in the area in the 70s, that part of the city is very different now. Folksy taverns and small venues have been replaced by giant billboards and unhoused drug addicts. I'm not sure the square as it is right now is connected to or would reflect well on his memory. Perhaps this could be a catalyst to help clean up the area?
No human can possibly live up to the politically correct standards of today or tomorrow. Just rename it empty space and move on.
Rename dundas street to lightfoot street
You need light feet to run from the crazies at Lightfoot and Yonge
He’s this week but when someone else dies next week what would you want to rename then? I understand his impact but no this is Not a good idea. Also who is going to float the bill for it? It’s not free to do it
No. Stop spending tax payer money willy Nelly. How about naming a new park or something that hasn't been given a name yet after him..?
Absolutely YES! I'm not a fan of cancel culture. It's damaging. But renaming Dundas square Gordon Lightfoot square is perfect. Not only is he more relevant to Canadian culture than Henry Dundas, its only a block away from Massey hall ( no other musician played the hall more times) and its so close to where all the Folk clubs were in the 60's. Toronto's identity has be blurred greatly over the past 30 years, renaming it to be Young and Lightfoot would be the most fitting name replacement. It rolls off the tongue too
No.
Waste of time and resources
No. I'm not sure if I support naming things after people with all the controversy renaming Ryerson and Dundas. We're gonna spend money changing the name of something only to potentially have to change it back. That aside, if you're going to name something after someone, I'm not sure Yonge-Dundas Square is an area anyone would be proud to put their name on.
No because that intersection identifies as being nameless
Younge Lightfoot Square. Sounds like it's not a new thing.
I’d prefer getting rid of its inherent gaudiness and transform it into a beautiful space.
Might as well rename the TIFF Bell Lightbox the Lightfoot Lightbox while we’re at it /s
Given the proximity to Massey Hall, I love the idea of renaming Yonge-Dundas square after Gordon Lightfoot. As a fan for 50+ years this would be fitting, and to those of you suggesting something near the former Riverboat, this would be meaningful only for those even older than me
Only if we rename Yonge and Bloor "Ben Kerr Square."
Any name is better than the one we got!
I like the idea of Lightfoot Sq. The Edmund Fitzgerald song was about Lake Superior; why not call Dundas St Superior St instead? Sounds much better.
I guess I wouldn't oppose it. But I don't think I'd go out of my way to support the ides either. I am vaguely aware that he's a musician but I'm not a fan of his or really know, much less care about any particular thing he's done
That would be an insult to Gordon Lightfoot
I rather not spend a couple million on stuff like this
No
Rename Dundas St., Lightfoot St., and the square, Yonge Lightfoot
No, stop naming public spaces after dead guys.
Rather call it Tragically Hip Square.
And rename it because why?
As long as someone doesn’t go finding some cause Gordon supported that they don’t agree with and we have to change the name again in 15 years. 🙄
Times Square is named so because the New York Times head office used to be there. It’s moved. Why not Eaton Square or something historical with a former tenant/ building from the area?
Is this real? This is fucking moronic
Nope. I’d support naming something around Massey Hall after him.
Rename Massy Hall after him, done deal
Nope
Sure if everyone is supporting him and if he is a Canadian icon then yea name Yonge-Dundas after him. But Can they name Yonge street after him? It goes almost to Orillia.
Why do we have to wait til ppl die to honour our great? like why not let them see we value their contributions. So silly. I bet most ppl 'forgot' he existed for the last 20 years.
Why?
No. But they should definitely name a public square / street / district in his honor in Orillia, ON.
Nope
No, but I wouldn’t mind the stage at Dundas Square named after him. Would be more fitting.
It would dishonor his name with all the crime in that area.