King West city block named after Reitman family

King West city block named after Reitman family

Ivan Reitman and his sisters Agi Mandel and Susan Michaels might have been a little emotional when they handed over the $22-million turf where their parents, Leslie and Clara, bought a car wash when they came to Canada after the Second World War, but the Bell Lightbox is looking swell, and to thank the family for their generosity, they’re going to get their own square.

The block north of King Street West between John and Widmer, where Toronto’s bustling film house sits, has just been named Reitman Square in honour of Leslie and Clara. “Ivan, Agi and Susan’s recognition of their parents’ commitment and vision has played a vital role in the realization of this dream, building a home for film at TIFF Bell Lightbox,” TIFF CEO Piers Handling said in a statement. May we suggest free car washes for an opening ceremony?

TIFF site dedicated to Reitman family [CBC]