[email protected] paulafletcher.ca Media Release July 31, 2014 New park in Ward 30 will honour William Peyton Hubbard – Torontos first Black Elected Official The public naming process for Ward 30s newest park has come to a close. The park will be named Hubbard Park in honour of Torontos first Black elected official, William Peyton Hubbard. The park, which is located at Broadview and Gerrard, will be the forecourt of the heritage Old Don Jail on Jack Layton Way. Over 1,800 votes were cast over the course of the naming contest. The process began with an open call for nominations, and residents submitted over 80 names. A panel representing Parks, Culture, and the neighbourhood selected seven finalists for the first round of voting. The top two choices in the first round were Hubbard Park and Jack Layton Park, both champions of social justice and groundbreakers in their generations. The final vote was in favour of Hubbard Park. I believe the community wanted to round out the recognition of two great Torontonians - Hubbard Park on Jack Layton Way, said local councillor Paula Fletcher. I felt very moved that the communitys top two choices were strong advocates for social justice, and that we can honour our rich local history in such a fitting way. William Peyton Hubbard was born in Toronto to parents who escaped slavery on the Underground Railroad. He lived on Broadview Avenue, was elected as a City Alderman in 1894 and was Toronto’s first Black elected politician, at a time when Black Torontonians were still barred from some hotels and restaurants. William Peyton Hubbard went on to serve as acting Mayor and was an advocate for fairness and an inclusive city. The Ontario Black History Society is extremely pleased to learn that the park is being named Hubbard Park, said Ontario Black History Society President Rosemary Sadlier. William Peyton Hubbard was a long-serving Councillor and the Citys first acting Mayor, who happened to be African Canadian. Hubbard was responsible for public utility ownership in the city and is a true Toronto hero. Hubbard is recognized with a plaque in front of his home at 660 Broadview Avenue, erected by Heritage Toronto in 2009 in partnership with the Riverdale Historical Society and the Ontario Black History Society. Additionally, the William P. Hubbard Award for Race Relations is presented by the City of Toronto annually to a person or persons whose outstanding achievement and commitment has made a significant contribution toward a positive race relations climate in Toronto. The new park is being constructed as part of the redevelopment of Bridgepoint Hospital and will be turned over to the City of Toronto upon completion. The name will go to Toronto and East York Community Council on August 12 for approval. -30- For further information: Media Contact: Councillor Paula Fletcher 416-200-5810 Rosemary Sadlier, Ontario Black History Society 416 867 9420
Posted on: Thu, 31 Jul 2014 22:46:12 +0000