Item - 2014.TE32.86

The Toronto and East York Community Council:

1.         Directed the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to report to the Toronto and East York Community Council on renaming the O'Connor Village Parkette as Willis Blair Park.

I am writing to request that the General Manager, Parks Forestry and Recreation initiate a renaming report for the O'Connor Village Parkette, located between O'Connor Drive and Blair Street, as Willis Blair Park.

Willis Blair passed away in Toronto at the age of 90 on Saturday, April 5, 2014. Renaming this park provides the City of Toronto the opportunity to recognize the tremendous contributions of Willis Blair.

He was the second mayor of East York.  Blair had a long and distinguished career in public service.  He served the Borough of East York for 18 years in various roles including Alderman, Metro Councillor and Mayor. 

Blair was known as a strong advocate for parks and recreation and served for a time as the Metro Parks Committee chair.  He was an avid sportsman who assisted in bringing Major League Baseball to Toronto and founding the World Junior Curling Championship.

Although the legal address for O'Connor Village Parkette is 1570 O'Connor Drive, the main park access is off Blair Street.  Blair Street was named after the late Willis Blair.

Blair was very active in Westview Presbyterian Church for over 50 years.  Westview Presbyterian Church is located at 213 Westview Boulevard, which is due south and a very short distance away from O'Connor Village Parkette. 

Mr Blair's children have indicated their support for the re-naming of the O'Connor Village Parkette in honour of their late father.