Discover Toronto's history as told through its plaques
2004 - Now in our 12th Year - 2016
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June Rowlands - Dedicated Leader and Woman of "Firsts"

Photos by Alan L Brown - Posted April, 2010

On the west side of Mount Pleasant Road, just a little north of Davisville Avenue in a park named after her, is this 2004 City of Toronto plaque about the former mayor. Here's what it tells us:
Coordinates: 43.700675 -79.38729 |
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For more than four decades, June Rowlands served the people of Toronto with passion, vision and commitment. Her impressive record of public service began as President of the Association of Women Electors in the 1950's, President of the Family Service Association of Greater Toronto and as an original member of the National Council of Welfare in the 1970's.
June Rowlands was first elected to City Council in 1976 and Metropolitan Council in 1978; she served on both councils until 1987. During this period she served as the city's Budget Chief and as the first woman TTC Commissioner. "June" later became first woman Chair of the Metropolitan Toronto Police Commission, ("Police Services Board"), and first woman Mayor of Toronto (1991-94). With these firsts June Rowlands opened doors for a generation of female politicians who followed.
A tireless worker and mother of five, Mayor Rowlands fought for affordable housing and preserving Toronto's ravines and historical neighbourhoods. A dedicated leader and trailblazer, June Rowlands worked to hold down property taxes while delivering to Torontonians services and amenities that helped make Toronto one of the world's great cities.
Related webpages
June Rowlands
Family Service Association of Greater Toronto
National Council of Welfare
TTC
Police Services Board
Mayor of Toronto
More
Public Service
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