Morning Cable - June 1, 2012

Jack Layton's name to be memorialized at the Ferry docks; Maggie Smith coming to TIFF, and Milos Raonic advances in the French Open. Your Morning Cable

Jack Layton’s name to be memorialized at the Ferry docks

Image: Michael Kolberg

The Toronto Island Ferry Terminal will be renamed in honour of the late NDP leader, and long-time Toronto councillor, Jack Layton.

Mayor Rob Ford, who sat alongside Layton when both were city councillors, will ask Toronto City Council to forgo the usual two-year waiting period before formally renaming the Toronto Islands ferry launching point the, “Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.”

Layton, the Official Opposition leader of the country, died of cancer last August. Mayor Ford called the gesture a “fitting tribute,” saying, “Not only did [Mr. Layton] represent waterfront communities during his career as an elected representative, but he was also a great supporter of the Island Public School and helped save Island residents’ homes.” 

The location was chosen in conjunction with Layton’s family to find the best way to honour his legacy in Toronto. City councillors will vote on the proposal next week.

Maggie Smith coming to TIFF

Elizabeth Banks’ character on 30 Rock called Dame Maggie Smith “a treasure,” and it looks as though the Toronto Internation Film Festival agrees. Smith, the star of Downton Abbey and the surprise hit, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, is the first A-list star confirmed for this September’s TIFF, where she will receive the Stratford Shakespeare Festival’s Legacy Award.

Toronto Life reports Smith is expected to receive her prestigious award at a gala at Yorkville’s Four Seasons Hotel on September 10. Smith, Stratford’s former leading lady, played diverse roles that included Queen Elizabeth, Lady Macbeth and Cleopatra, from 1976 to 1980. Charmed.

Milos Raonic advances in the French Open

Another game for Milos!! Yes, the Seinfeld reference may be a bit tiresome for tennis fans, but is there a better way to announce that Thornhill, Ont.’s Milos Raonic advanced in the French Open with his win over American qualifier Jessie Levine? Nope, did not think so.

The 21-year-old Raonic won in just under two hours, with 16 aces. Dominating in the final set against Levine, he fired 40 winners and broke Levine a total of five times. 

Looking to reach the fourth round of the French Open for the first time, Raonic, the 19th seed, will next face Argentina’s Juan Monaco, the 13th seed. 

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Joanna Adams is the online and social media editor for Toronto Standard. Follow her on Twitter at‏ @nowstarringTO.

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