WILLIAM HUBBARD

Stone and plaque on the northeast corner of Riverdale Park at Broadview Ave. and Montcrest Blvd., Toronto

The home of Toronto's first black politician was at 660 Broadview Avenue. Born in Toronto, William Peyton Hubbard (1842-1935) was the son of freed slaves from Virginia and became a baker by trade. He was first elected to City Council in 1894, served for a total of 15 years and was acting mayor of the city in 1906 and 1907.  He was a champion of the rights of minorities and an advocate of public ownership of power and also served as a school trustee and justice of the peace. Since 1990 the City of Toronto has awarded a William P. Hubbard Award for Race Relations for contributions towards a positive race relations climate in the city.