Toronto has a rich and vibrant history, full of remarkable events and influential figures, writes torontoyes.com. Among these figures was William Lyon Mackenzie, who had the distinction of becoming the city’s first mayor. His tenure coincided with Toronto’s renaming from York, marking a pivotal moment in the city’s development.
In our article, based on information from ao.minisisinc.com, we will delve into the story of one such individual. He was not just a political figure—he had the distinction of becoming the first mayor of Toronto. Remarkably, his appointment coincided with the renaming of this beautiful Canadian city.
Meet William Lyon Mackenzie—the first person to hold the proud and prestigious title of Mayor of Toronto.
Early Life
William Lyon Mackenzie was born on March 12, 1795, in Scotland.
His early years were marked by poverty. Despite limited means, he was curious and passionate about reading, often frequenting the reading rooms of the Dundee Advertiser.
In his youth, Mackenzie moved to southern England, where he worked as an accountant. However, he struggled financially, losing much of his earnings to gambling.
Emigrating to Canada
In 1820, a friend suggested Mackenzie move to Canada. His journey began in Montreal, where he worked as an accountant and later began a career in journalism with a local newspaper.
Relocating to York
Eventually, Mackenzie decided to move to York (later Toronto). He continued his journalism career and became a manager at a bookstore.
Settling in Queenston
In 1824, Mackenzie relocated to Queenston, where he opened a general store. Shortly after, he sold the store and purchased a printing press to launch the Colonial Advocate, a political newspaper.
The Colonial Advocate supported the Upper Canada Rebellion and openly criticized the government. By November 1824, Mackenzie had moved the paper’s operations to York, where his articles harshly criticized the colonial government and revealed personal details about officials.
This bold approach provoked retaliation. On June 8, 1826, government supporters attacked the newspaper office, destroying all the printing equipment. Mackenzie sought legal compensation and was awarded £625, which he used to repay creditors and restart his publication.
Political Career
In 1834, York was renamed Toronto. That same year, elections were held, and Mackenzie was elected alderman to the city council.
Following his success as an alderman, Mackenzie was elected as Toronto’s first mayor.
Time as Mayor
As mayor, Mackenzie implemented several initiatives:
- Tax Increase for Infrastructure
He approved higher taxes to fund road construction along King Street, despite public opposition. - Creating Toronto’s First Coat of Arms
He initiated the design of Toronto’s first official emblem. - Municipal and Judicial Responsibilities
Mackenzie oversaw city council meetings and presided over the municipal police court, handling cases involving drunkards, disorderly individuals, and domestic abusers. - Relocating City Hall
He established the city council chambers in newly built market structures.
The Cholera Outbreak and Resignation
In July 1834, Toronto faced its second cholera outbreak. As mayor, Mackenzie chaired the Toronto Board of Health, tasked with managing the crisis. Unfortunately, he contracted cholera himself and had to isolate at home until he recovered.
By 1835, Mackenzie’s mayoral term ended. He was not re-elected as alderman, opting instead to focus on provincial politics.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia