The terminal will be named after Jack Layton who died of cancer in 2011. (Canadian Press) )

Toronto city councillors will be asked to approve renaming the Toronto Island Ferry Terminal in honour of former NDP leader and long-time Toronto politician, Jack Layton.

In a news release Mayor Rob Ford says he will ask council to forego the usual two-year waiting period and give immediate permission to rename the terminal.

Layton died of cancer last year.

"Jack sat next to me in council when I was first elected, and he taught me a lot about politics," Ford said in the release.

"Renaming the Toronto Island Ferry Terminal in memory of Jack is a fitting tribute. Not only did he represent waterfront communities during his career as an elected representative, but he was also a great supporter of the Island Public School and helped save Island residents’ homes."

Layton had deep ties to Toronto politics.

Before leaving for federal politics and leading the NDP to its best showing ever — the official opposition in the 2011 election — he served as a city and Metro councillor. His wife Olivia Chow was also a city councillor and now serves as a federal NDP MP.

Mike Layton, who followed in his father's footsteps to become a city councillor in 2011, said he was thrilled with the mayor's offer/

"Some of my fondest childhood memories are taking the ferry to the island and spending time with my family," he said.