Toronto's first female mayor has died

Dec 23 2017, 12:32 am

June Rowlands, Toronto’s first female mayor, has died at 93.

Rowlands was first elected to City Council in 1976 and was the first woman elected to serve as Mayor of the former City of Toronto in 1991 (pre-amalgamation). Her many roles included being the first woman to serve as a member of the Toronto Transit Commission and to chair the Police Services Board.

“We are greatly saddened by the death of June Rowlands, who blazed a trail through our city’s politics and was one of Toronto’s greatest supporters and champions,” said Mayor Tory. “We are thankful for June’s service to our city and her ability to get things done. I know that she will be greatly missed.”

Tory said that Rowlands was a strong representative of her North Toronto community and that it’s “fitting that Davisville Park was renamed June Rowlands Park in 2004 to honour her work.”

During her many years in public service, Rowlands was passionate about issues such as child care, affordable housing, modernizing fire services and promoting Toronto as the economic engine of Canada.

Flags at City Hall, Metro Hall and the civic centres have been lowered and will remain at half-mast from now until end of day Friday, December 29. A condolence book at City Hall will be available until end of day Friday, December 29. An online condolence book will be available on the City of Toronto website later today.

“Losing a loved one is never easy, especially at Christmas, and I again extend my condolences to June’s family and friends at this time,” said Tory. “They should know that her service to our city is tremendously appreciated and that she will be missed.”

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