TORONTO, Ont. – City council approved Mayor Rob Ford’s proposal to rename  the Toronto Island Ferry Terminal to the “Jack Layton Ferry Terminal” in honour of late federal NDP leader and Toronto city councillor.

The motion passed 41-0, Wednesday.

“Jack sat next to me in council when I was first elected, and he taught me a lot about politics,” Ford said in a release on May 31.

“Renaming the Toronto Island Ferry Terminal in memory of Jack is a fitting tribute. Not only did he 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.”

Layton’s son, Councillor Mike Layton said it’s a great honour to his father’s memory.

“Some of my fondest childhood memories are taking the ferry to the island and spending time with my family” said Toronto City Councillor Mike Layton. “I thank Mayor Ford and Councillors McConnell, Fletcher, Kelly and Nunziata for suggesting such a suitable and great honour to my father’s memory.”

Council had to approve waiving the normal two-year waiting period to rename a city street or building.

Jack Layton died in August 2011 from cancer.