Ottawa to name street after Ryan Reynolds

Ottawa residents will soon have a chance to live on Ryan Reynolds Way.

The city of Ottawa is honouring the Canadian actor by naming a new street after him in the east end, in recognition of his contributions to the city.

“It’s clear that Ottawa does have a special place in Ryan’s heart,” Mayor Jim Watson said during his state of the city speech on Wednesday.

Reynolds, a Vancouver native, spent some of his childhood in Vanier, and has said he has fond memories of living in Ottawa.

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The Deadpool star and his wife Blake Lively made a donation to the Ottawa Food Bank early in the pandemic, part of a $1 million donation to food banks across Canada and the U.S. He has also donated to the Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region.

And Reynolds participated in a running gag with Ottawa Public Health in which he revealed himself to be ‘Bruce,’ the inept social media intern.

Watson said when he broached the idea of the new street name with Reynolds, the actor said he was “very excited, flattered and honoured. I’m even a little choked up.”

“This means the world to me. Thank you on behalf of me and my entire family,” Watson quoted Reynolds as saying.

The Ottawa Food Bank says Reynolds and Lively have had an impact on the organization.

"You can’t ask for someone bigger or better than Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively - so it brings more attention to the hard work that we have been doing before than pandemic, and during the pandemic," said Rachael Wilson, CEO of the Ottawa Food Bank. "They supported the Ottawa Food Bank, but they also supported Food Banks Canada and other organizations and it really helps us do our work and get our message out."

Wilson adds, "The Ottawa Food Bank relies almost completely on donations so to have someone say, 'Hey this charity is important,' really helps us do our work."

Residents who live near the future home of Ryan Reynolds Way approve of the new street name.

"People will get a hoot living on that street," says Denis Brunton.

He says Reynolds has been a good ambassador for the city and Canada.

"I think that’s good because it keeps him connected,” he says.

Some people say they would consider moving to a street named after a celebrity.

Amanda Ko says, "Of course I would! I would have to wait a few years before I moved, but I think it’s awesome. I am glad they are doing that."

Joanne Quaglia adds, "It gets people excited to live in that area. I think it is fun!"

Ryan Reynolds Way will be located in a new subdivision adjacent to Avalon, at the corner of Mer Bleue and Brian Coburn.