Ryan Reynolds doesn't want a Vancouver street named after him

Nov 30 2020, 5:30 pm

Ryan Reynolds has responded to a petition asking Mayor Kennedy Stewart to name a street in Vancouver after the Hollywood star — and Vancouver native.

The petition was created by 104.9 KiSS RADio’s morning talk show hosts and states that “Vancouver’s favourite son, Ryan Reynolds, deserves to have a street named after him (or at least a lane). It’s time. Not only has he captured our hearts on the big screen, his humanitarian efforts have made him a beloved local treasure who encapsulates the best of Vancouverites, and fully deserving of this recognition in his hometown.”

However, Reynolds himself doesn’t seem entirely into the idea.

“Very kind but hard pass,” Reynolds tweeted.

“If traffic sucks, everyone will say, ‘Ryan Reynolds is a mess,’ or ‘Ryan Reynolds is really backed up.’ My brothers would enjoy this too much.”

While he may have pointed out the downside of such a tribute, organizers of the petition note that in 2020 alone, Reynolds and his wife, Blake Lively, have donated $500,000 to Covenant House and $200,000 to an Indigenous Women’s Leadership Fund.

He helped a woman locate a stolen teddy bear that contained a recording of her deceased mother’s voice and bought hundreds of pizzas for grads at his former high school.

The actor used his own money to hire BIPOC staff for a new film and recently surprised a young fan with a personal birthday message.

Vancouver’s City Asset Naming Committee generally only names things after notable people once they have died.

To be added to their Reserve List, someone must meet one of three criteria, including having “demonstrated excellence in service in ways that made a significant contribution to the community, city of Vancouver, province of British Columbia, or Canada.”

The petition organizers feel that Reynolds has helped to create a positive outlook of Vancouver around the world.

“For all he’s done for the community, he’s entirely deserving of a street named after him,” they say.

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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