William (Billy) McKay Jr. (1862-1943)

Photos by Alan L Brown - Posted September, 2006

On this rock you'll see a 2005 plaque placed there by the East York Historical Society commemorating William (Billy) McKay Jr. The plaque, next to the sidewalk on Coxwell Avenue just north of Mortimer Avenue, has this to say:

Plaque coordinates: 43.690955 -79.326911

Born in York Township, Billy McKay, a local farmer of Irish descent, donated 4.7 ha of land in the vicinity of Coxwell Avenue and Mortimer Avenue, towards three significant East York organizations.

In 1921, Billy sold two parcels of his land for one dollar each, one to York Township for the original East York Municipal Building as well as Memorial Park, and a second to the local school board for the original R.H. McGregor School. In 1924, Billy sold 2 ha of land and kindly donated .6 ha to support the building of Toronto East General Hospital.

In the late 1930s, 11.7 ha of McKay land in this area was developed for a subdivision of 240 homes. McKayfield Road is named in his honour. Billy's contributions continue to serve as an inspiration to the community. He is buried at St. John's Norway Cemetery.

Related Toronto plaque
St. John the Baptist, Norway

More
Public Service
East York plaques

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