Tuesday night, the city of Kingston, Ont. voted to name a city block after hometown heroes, The Tragically Hip.
A block of Barrack Street will be named in honour of the 14-time Juno Award-winning band. In a close vote, seven councillors voted for the citizen-led proposal, while six voted against.
This motion has left some Kingston residents concerned this recent addition will add insult to the city’s military history, but, The Tragically Hip are emissaries of Canadian pride. After all, the band headlined last summer’s Downsview Park Canada Day concert. The Tragically Hip were named to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2005, and have also received the Order of Canada.
But, this could represent a move towards musician-named city zoning. Normally, this honour is reserved for politicos and actors of dubious distinction. Here are the odds of which of Toronto’s homegrown music legends may be next on the list to see their name in lights. Well, street lights.
Drake; Forest Hill, Yorkville, Epitome Pictures
Possible Name: Drake Drive, Aubrey Graham Avenue, Jimmy Brooks Boulevard
Odds: Possible. Since blowing up with Best I Ever Had in 2009, Drake has shown Toronto nothing but love. He’s altered the city’s logo to promote his latest album, Take Care, has shot music videos in and around the city, and is constantly featuring local artists and producers in the OVOXO crew like Boi-1da and The Weeknd. His music career may be young, but if Drake can prove he has staying power, a city street may not be such a farfetched idea. Besides, worst case sceneario, it could always be placed around Epitome Pictures, the Toronto production house and studio behind Degrassi. Either way, there’s no doubt the street would be wheelchair accessible.
Barenaked Ladies; Scarborough;
Possible Name: Barenaked Ladies Circle, Barenaked Ladies Way, One Week Road
Odds: Very likely. Unabashedly Canadian, the Barenaked Ladies have made homage to their wacky Scarborough upbringing in a number of their songs. They’ve also recorded a video wishing the city, “a happy Scarborough Day.” Beyond that, Scarborough has a history of honouring celebrities, even naming after a street after Mike Myers, Mike Myers Drive, in 2008. Also, it would be interesting to see if former bandmember Stephen Page showed up to the induction ceremony.
Geddy Lee and Rush; Willowdale, Rogers Centre’s Premium Dugout
Possible Name: Rush Road, Geddy Lee Way
Odds: Very Likely. Rush and frontman Geddy Lee are so iconically Canadian, that it may be one of the reasons why the band was scandalously omitted from being inducted in this year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In fact, Geddy Lee is such a devoted fan of the Toronto Blue Jays, that he can often be spotted sitting right behind home plate at most home games. Rush’s near-40-year musical legacy may be enough to carry them to the streets, so to speak, but before that happens, expect the Jays to rename the Premium Dugout section, “the Lee-mium Dugout.” Or something.
Robbie Robertson; Toronto
Possible Name: Robbie Robertson Row, Robbie Robertson Crescent
Odds: Possible. Robertson’s musical prowess as a member of The Band, Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks and as a solo artist is undeniable. He’s always floating around the Canadian and Toronto music scene, nurturing younger talent and producing plenty of new, great, content. While his musical reign is undisputed, a city block, certainly a valid choice, may or may not be in the cards for the more low-key Robertson.
Deadmau5; Yonge and Dundas
Possible Name: Deadmau5 Walk, Deadmau5 Alley
Odds: It’s too early to call. Deadmau5 sightings are incredibly common in Toronto, especially in the eyes of Ryerson students or anyone who frequents the Yonge and Dundas area. But, Deadmau5 is blowing up, and after a stellar showing at the Grammys a few weeks back, his powerful music empire will only continue to boom.
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Joanna Adams writes the Morning Cable, and lots more, for Toronto Standard. Follow her on Twitter at †@nowstarringTO.
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