NDP MP Olivia Chow , who is flanked by City Councillor Paula Fletcher (R) and an unidentified woman (L) holds a "Jack Layton Way" sign. (MARYAM SHAH, Toronto Sun)

TORONTO -- The Don Jail Roadway was officially named Jack Layton Way as at least 100 people looked on Sunday.

With parts of the old Don Jail building incorporated into the new Bridgepoint hospital, MP Olivia Chow, widow of late NDP Leader Jack Layton, said that naming the street after the politician is a fitting memorial to a man who spent "thousands of hours" advocating for improvements in the neighbourhood.

Located just east of the Don Valley Parkway, the curving street runs between Gerrard St. E. and Broadview Ave.

Chow added that to see a "menacing" jail turned into a place for community healing is the best way to remember Layton, who represented the area as MP for the Toronto-Danforth riding.