Today Mayor of Toronto John Tory released the following statement on the passing of former Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman. Mel Lastman was the Mayor of Toronto from 1998 – 2003 and Mayor of North York from 1973–1997.
On behalf of all Toronto residents, I want to send my condolences to Mel Lastman’s family and friends at this time.
Mayor Mel was Toronto’s first Mega City Mayor and led Toronto into the amalgamation era. He was so committed to the city and worked throughout his time in office to make sure Toronto moved forward as one united city and into the 21st century.
I was co-chair of Mayor Mels campaigns for Mega City Mayor and had the privilege of serving in his “kitchen cabinet” during his time in office. He was a kind, good-hearted man with a larger-than-life personality who always wanted to do the right thing for people.
Before amalgamation, he spent much of his life serving the people of North York and building up North York. This part of the city wouldn’t be thriving as it is now without the work Mel Lastman did over many decades.
As we mourn his passing, I would like to thank Mel Lastman again for his service to North York and to the entire city of Toronto. He will be so missed by those who knew and loved him. May his memory be a blessing.
I have asked for all flags on official flagpoles at Toronto City Hall and other city buildings to be lowered to half-mast to honour Mayor Lastman and for City protocol to provide an opportunity for the public to sign a condolences book.
SOURCE Mayor John Tory
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