Actor Ryan Reynolds in line for Ottawa street name

UPDATE | Council unanimously approved naming a street after actor Ryan Reynolds on Feb. 8, 2022.

Film star Ryan Reynolds could soonhave his name in lights in the nation's capital at leastwhen cars drive down the block.

In his annual state of the city speech, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson announced he would filea notice of motion to namea new street after Reynolds, who spent part of his childhood in the city's Vanier neighbourhood.

Watson said he appreciated how the Vancouver-born Reynolds,the star of films like The Proposaland Marvel's Deadpoolfranchise, had supported the city during the COVID-19 pandemic,from donating money to the Ottawa Food Bank to lending his star power to a viral public health campaign.

"I was very impressed with the fact that Ryan hasn't forgot his roots here in Ottawa and Vanier," Watson told reporters Wednesday.

"He was very flattered when we contacted him. And we look forward to the street being developed over the course of the next year."

'An incredible honour'

The proposed "Ryan Reynolds Way" would not appear inVanier but ratherin a new residential development in the city's Cumberland ward.

Even though Watson posed with an already mocked-up street sign, his motion still needs the approval of city council before going ahead.

As for Reynolds, he appearedgrateful perhaps a little too grateful forthe impending recognition.

"This is an incredible honour and a deal is a deal, Mr. Mayor," he tweeted at Watson following theannouncement.

"I've changed my daughter's name to 'Ottawa.'"