William Peyton Hubbard 1842-1935

There are two plaques about this gentleman.
Both can be seen on this page.

Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted June, 2009

Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted September, 2006

Photo Source - Wikimedia Commons

Here, in front of this house at 660 Broadview Avenue, just a little way south of Danforth Avenue, is a 2008 Heritage Toronto plaque erected in partnership with the Riverdale Historical Society and the Ontario Black History Society. An older plaque about this gentleman can be seen further down this page. Here's what this plaque says:

Plaque coordinates: 43.673954 -79.356922

Born in Toronto to parents who had been freed from slavery in Virginia, William Peyton Hubbard became this city's first Black elected politician and one of its most influential elected officials. A baker, cab driver, and businessman, Hubbard was first elected to City Council in 1894. At a time when Black Torontonians were barred from some Toronto hotels and restaurants, he won another 13 consecutive yearly elections, and became Toronto's second most powerful elected official, at times serving as acting Mayor. A passionate and sharp debater, Hubbard was an influential advocate for fairness, efficiency, and democracy in government, and a key supporter of public control of electricity and water supplies. Among other roles, Hubbard also served for 40 years as a Board member of the House of Industry, a municipal charity assisting Toronto's poor. After losing the 1908 election, Hubbard had this home constructed for his family. He lived here until his death at the age of 93.

Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted September, 2006

This 1979 Toronto Historical Board plaque was located on this rock on the southwest corner of Broadview Avenue and Montcrest Blvd. In early 2008 it was destroyed by a snowplow. Here's what it said:

660 Broadview Avenue was the home of William Hubbard, Toronto's first black politician. The Toronto-born son of freed slaves from Virginia, Hubbard was elected to City Council in 1894 and served for a total of 15 years, frequently as senior controller. He was a champion of the rights of various minorities and a pioneer in the founding of Toronto Hydro. Hubbard also served in such capacities as Justice of the Peace, School Trustee, Harbour Commissioner and, for four decades, as a representative to the House of Industry.

Related web pages
William Peyton Hubbard
Toronto Hydro

Related Toronto plaque
House of Industry

More
Public Service

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