Square Named in Honour of Ivan Reitman's Parents

TIFF director and CEO Piers Handling and Ward 20 Councillor Adam Vaughan officially named Reitman Square on Sept. 8.

Handling and Vaughan were joined by director and producer Ivan Reitman, Agi Mandel and Susan Michaels, who donated the land in partnership with The Daniels Corporation. Oscar-nominated filmmaker Jason Reitman (Juno, Up in the Air) joined his family in the celebration.

The square is located on King St., in the heart of Toronto’s Entertainment District. It is named in honour of Ivan Reitman’s parents, Leslie and Clara Reitman.

The Reitman family came to Canada from Czechoslovakia after World War II. During the mid-1960s, they purchased Farb’s Car Wash, located at the corner of King and John St. The Reitmans eventually donated the land to TIFF in partnership with the Daniels Corporation. It houses TIFF Bell Lightbox, a new five-storey complex that hosts TIFF’s headquarters.

“Leslie and Clara persevered through hardships to bring their family to Canada and create a life for them,” said Handling in a statement. “Ivan, Agi and Susan’s recognition of their parents’ commitment and vision has played a vital role in the realization of this dream, building a home for film at TIFF Bell Lightbox. On behalf of the Board of Directors, the staff and film lovers from around the world, we are delighted to dedicate Reitman Square to Leslie and Clara.”