Toronto needs a monument to Degrassi.
Toronto needs a monument to Degrassi.
Let’s rename the Ontario Line station at De Grassi St. after Canada’s longest-running dramatic series to recognize its cultural and social impact on the world.
4 Reasons Why We Need Degrassi Station:
Imagine a dynamic and vibrant Degrassi-themed subway station located down the street from where the show began.
Does it look like a high school hallway with lockers that belong to Joey, Caitlin, and Snake?
Does it depict a visual chronology of the series with QR codes that commuters can scan out of curiosity, enabling them to discover more about Degrassi’s history?
If you can’t picture it yet, here are 4 reasons why we need Degrassi Station:
4 Reasons Why We Need Degrassi Station:
Imagine a dynamic and vibrant Degrassi-themed subway station located down the street from where the show began.
Does it look like a high school hallway with lockers that belong to Joey, Caitlin, and Snake?
Does it depict a visual chronology of the series with QR codes that commuters can scan out of curiosity, enabling them to discover more about Degrassi’s history?
If you can’t picture it yet, here are 4 reasons why we need Degrassi Station:
Reason #1:
To recognize Degrassi's cultural and social impact
Simply put, Degrassi is a remarkable achievement for Canadian film & television history and a significant contributor to social and civil progression.
While teen-oriented programming historically addressed challenging themes with a hug and a laugh track, Degrassi took a bold, original approach; it dared to depict every facet of adolescence, no matter how troubling.
The realism of Degrassi’s style allowed viewers to relate to the characters and their situations. It drew praise for handling taboo material realistically; the kids lived with the consequences of their actions and navigated their experiences in imperfect ways.
The show’s attention to multiculturalism and diversity was also foundational to inclusive programming at the CBC and other Canadian broadcasters.
Degrassi is more than just entertainment. It supports public education, fosters new perspectives and voices, and creates opportunities for viewers to learn, reflect, and grow.
Reason #2:
To mark the birthplace of a Canadian icon
The Kids of Degrassi Street—the original Degrassi series—focused on a group of neighbourhood children growing up in the east-end of Toronto in the 1980s. Early episodes prominently featured De Grassi Street homes, the grocery store, local parks, and schools.
The show’s creators, Linda Schuyler and Kit Hood collaborated with Bruce Mackey, a long-time De Grassi resident and public school teacher. His enthusiasm for the neighbourhood and observations of school life inspired many of the show’s initial storylines.
Over the next twenty years, until his untimely death from cancer in 1997, Bruce was a mentor to the filmmaking team. A historical plaque in his namesake park commemorates the show and Mackey, the “Grandfather of Degrassi.”
Degrassi deserves a more substantial monument to recognize its history and celebrate its impact on the world. A subway station situated mere steps away from its humble beginning is a great way to mark Degrassi’s birthplace (not to mention it accurately reflects the station’s geographic location!)
Reason #3:
To recognize an influential woman in Canadian film
In the late 1970s, a Torontonian teacher named Linda Schuyler had a problem. She couldn’t find any educational tools on topics like civics or ethics to share with her students.
So, she began to create her own in video form. She called the series “Degrassi” after the filming location, De Grassi St., on the eastern end of Toronto.
Fast forward: Degrassi is an internationally-acclaimed television show, broadcasting in over 40 countries with millions of viewers tuning-in. It is Canada's longest-running dramatic series and a pioneer the teen drama genre, paving the way for shows like Madison, Ready or Not, Edgemont, Beverley Hills 90210, Dawson’s Creek, and Gossip Girl.
Schuyler was and continues to be a trailblazer as a female producer in a predominantly male industry. Schuyler was appointed a member of the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario for her contributions to the performing arts.
Reason #3: To recognize an influential woman in Canadian film
In the late 1970s, a Torontonian teacher named Linda Schuyler had a problem. She couldn’t find any educational tools on topics like civics or ethics to share with her students.
So, she began to create her own in video form. She called the series “Degrassi” after the filming location, De Grassi St., on the eastern end of Toronto.
Fast forward: Degrassi is an internationally-acclaimed television show, broadcasting in over 40 countries with millions of viewers. It is Canada's longest-running dramatic series and a pioneer the teen drama genre, paving the way for shows like Madison, Ready or Not, Edgemont, Beverley Hills 90210, Dawson’s Creek, and Gossip Girl.
Schuyler was and continues to be a trailblazer as a female producer in a predominantly male industry. Schuyler was appointed a member of the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario for her contributions to the performing arts.
Reason #4:
To benefit the community
It’s no question that Degrassi Station creates opportunity for the community, the city of Toronto, the province of Ontario, and Canada:
Beautification of the city’s transportation system
Job creation in design, heritage
A positive, upbeat story during an otherwise challenging time
Revenue generation from Degrassi fan tourism
Increased public engagement (e.g., launch a contest for fans or designers to submit their rendition of the station’s design)
Sign The Petition
We need your voices to convince Queen’s Park and Toronto City Hall to adopt this proposal.
Sign the petition and become a part of Degrassi history!