June Rowlands - Dedicated Leader and Woman of "Firsts"
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.
Plaque via Alan L. Brown's site Toronto Plaques. Full page here.