Jack Layton struck a powerful chord with many across Canada, as the outpouring of sympathy following his death amply demonstrates. But before he took to the national stage Layton made an indelible mark on his adopted city of Toronto, as a passionate and often controversial municipal politician for almost two decades.

Toronto should find a way to honour a man who played a key role in shaping the city’s agenda – from shining a light on the issue of homelessness to pushing green energy long before it became the conventional wisdom. He left his mark everywhere: campaigning for affordable housing, supporting gay rights when few others did, pressing for the right of cyclists to share the roads with cars.

Layton was always looking for ways to make the big city a more human, liveable place. As John Honderich points out on the opposite page, he championed initiatives like Word on the Street, the annual festival that brings people out into the public space to celebrate the printed word. As president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, he worked to put urban issues on the national agenda and set the stage for Ottawa to send a portion of the gas tax to cities.

Toronto has found ways to honour many of our city-builders. We have major squares named for Nathan Phillips and Mel Lastman, both former mayors. In April, Metro Square was renamed Pecaut Square in honour of the late David Pecaut, the man behind the Toronto City Summit Alliance and Luminato.

We drive along the Gardiner Expressway, a daily reminder of the pro-growth legacy of the first chairman of Metro Toronto, Frederick (Big Daddy) Gardiner. Cyclists and walkers enjoy the Martin Goodman Trail along the waterfront, named for a former president of the Star. The Kay Gardner Beltline Park honours the former city councillor who worked to save the railway right-of-way as a resource for all.

Tiny Mirvish Village keeps alive the memory of merchant and impresario Ed Mirvish. We have libraries named for journalists (Barbara Frum) and librarians (Lillian H. Smith), and parkettes named for movie directors (Norman Jewison), musicians (Glenn Gould) and writers (Matt Cohen).

What’s the right way to remember Jack Layton?

The city could rename a street with a special connection to Layton and his family – such as the stretch of Huron St. running through Chinatown where he shared a home with Olivia Chow.

It could find a park that doesn’t have a strong historically connected name, though that might be hard. The last thing Layton would want is a squabble over attaching his name to a public space.

A better idea would be to build something the city needs, in the spirit of what Layton stood for, and put his name on it. How about a proper network of central commuter cycling routes – the Jack Layton Route?

What about the emerging West Don Lands neighbourhood near the waterfront at the mouth of the Don River? If it’s done right, it should be a model mixed-use area incorporating affordable housing, new businesses and environmentally sound development. Sounds ideal.

There’s plenty of time for Toronto to figure out the best way to recognize Jack Layton’s contributions to our city. Share yours with us now.

How do you think Jack Layton should be honoured in Toronto? Send your ideas to webmaster@thestar.ca