Kit Hood Alley

Naming a lane way at Queen St. E. and Carlaw to Logan

We would like to propose to the City of Toronto that the lane way behind 935 Queen Street (the former offices of Playing With Time where Degrassi was built) just south of Queen Street at Carlaw extending to Logan be called Kit Hood’s Lane in honour of our dear, late father who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on January the 20th, 2020.

In order to suggest this naming to the City, we need to show that we have local support for this effort.

Our father Kit had a full life in which he was able to fulfil his creative desires writing, directing, editing and producing movies and television. He will likely be best remembered as the co-creator of the Degrassi series of television shows following the lives of Toronto children from elementary school through to high school graduation; these influential shows were an essential part of late 20th century Canadian popular culture, and have fans around the world.

Why name a lane way?

Naming a laneway gives the lane an identity and creates a sense of place, This also encourages more pedestrian traffic, making it safer. The collaborative process of naming a laneway (and it takes a collaborative process), helps build community connections, good will, and a feeling of neighbourhood pride.

Listed below are a few of the benefits of naming a local lane way.
Safety and Security - A laneway with a name helps police, fire and paramedic services find it in the event of an emergency;

Commemorating History - Naming a laneway after a noteworthy person, place, event, etc. is encouraged under Toronto’s street naming policy, and it helps preserve history;

Placemaking - Naming a laneway gives the lane an identity and creates a sense of place, which also serves to invite more pedestrian traffic, making it safer;

Community Building - The collaborative process of naming a laneway helps build community connections, goodwill, and a feeling of neighbourhood pride;

Invites Further Laneway Improvements - A laneway with a name opens the door to further laneway improvements, such as beautification and community events like laneway movie screenings, potlucks, and local farmers’ markets.

“Back alleys, neglected courtyards, and stairways may escape our notice…yet if they are claimed, and owned, and developed, they can be harnessed to strengthen and enrich their communities.”
— Placemaking and the Future of Cities, Project for Public Spaces

My sister and I are looking for support for this our initiative.

Can we ask for your support?

Thank you So much for your time!