David Crombie is a Canadian academic, politician, and the 56th Mayor of Toronto. Known far beyond the city, he gained rapid popularity at the onset of his political career. Crombie played a pivotal role in the civic reforms of the late 1960s, which significantly improved life in Toronto. Learn more about his life and political career on torontoyes.com.
Mayor of Toronto
David Crombie was born in Swansea, Toronto. He spent much of his life teaching at Ryerson University. In 1960, Crombie joined Toronto’s urban reform movement, opposing the city council’s decision to demolish older buildings in favor of high-rise apartment complexes. Alongside John Sewell and other reformers, he advocated for community-focused development instead of unrestricted construction.
In 1970, Crombie was elected to Toronto’s city council, and in 1972, he became the city’s mayor. As mayor, Crombie spearheaded Toronto’s development and was the first mayor representing the city’s reform movement. His governance starkly contrasted with that of his predecessors.
A significant part of his mayoral tenure was dedicated to curbing the construction industry. He introduced height restrictions on new buildings, but this regulation was soon overturned by the Ontario Municipal Board.
Crombie also opposed the traditional practice of demolishing impoverished neighborhoods for new housing projects. Instead, he canceled redevelopment plans for areas such as Trefann Court, Kensington Market, and Cabbagetown. Under his leadership, the St. Lawrence neighborhood was redeveloped.
Frequent clashes with parliament members and dissatisfaction among officials led Crombie to resign as mayor in 1974.
Federal Politics
In 1978, Crombie transitioned to federal politics. That year, he won a seat in the House of Commons as a Progressive Conservative candidate.
In 1979, he was appointed Minister of National Health and Welfare. By 1983, Crombie ran for leadership within the Progressive Conservative Party, securing fourth place and returning to municipal politics.
When the Progressive Conservative Party rose to power, Crombie was named Minister of Multiculturalism.
In 1988, Crombie chaired the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Task Force, producing innovative reports such as Watershed and Regeneration, which advocated integrated urban development approaches.
In 1994, he became the first chancellor of Ryerson University. By 2007, Crombie retired as CEO of the Canadian Urban Institute.
In 2008, the Toronto District School Board enlisted Crombie to negotiate with the government to keep public school pools open, resulting in a favorable outcome.
In 2014, Crombie openly opposed the Toronto Port Authority’s plan to extend runways at Billy Bishop Airport, which would have enabled Porter Airlines to use jet aircraft. His efforts successfully halted the expansion.
For his significant contributions to Toronto, Crombie was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2004 and a Member of the Order of Ontario in 2012. He serves on the boards of the Toronto Public Library Foundation and the Loran Scholars Foundation.
A park in Toronto, stretching from Jarvis Street to Berkeley Street, is named in his honor.