Rush members set to be honoured with a Toronto park

Two of the founding members of Rush could be honoured in the name of a new Toronto park. Cllr. John Filion, who represents the Willowdale neighbourhood where the band started in the 1960s, thinks a new park to be opened in 2015 near North York Centre subway station should be called "Lee Lifeson Art Park," after Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson.

The miniature Xanadu, which is due to open in 2015, will have an arts theme, specifically related to music and sound, Filion wrote in a letter to North York Community Council. He said the idea has the support of the North York Arts and Willowdale Central Ratepayers' Association and was favourably received at two meetings with local residents earlier this year.

Lee and Lifeson grew up in Willowdale and founded Rush with original drummer John Rutsey. The pair attended Fisherville Junior High School, wrote songs, and played shows in the neighbourhood. After decades in the limelight, the band was given a star on Canada's Walk of Fame in 1999.

The community council adopted the recommendation at its June meeting. Parks, Forestry and Recreation will produce a report on the by August 12.

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Image: Doctor Noe/blogTO Flickr pool.