William Peyton Hubbard

Old Bill Hubbard (Known as "William Peyton Hubbard")

First Black Elected Official in Canada, Acting Mayor of Toronto, Hydro Ally

Born 27 January 1842

Toronto, Canada

Passed Away 13 April 1935 Toronto, Canada

Lifespan 93 years old

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Notice / Correction

"Power should be as free as the air and water from which it comes; electricity must belong to the people, not private monopolies."

Archival Overview

Son of freed Virginian slaves who served on Toronto City Council for twenty years, served as acting mayor, and fought alongside Sir Adam Beck to create public Hydro-Electric Power.

Biographical Record

William Peyton Hubbard was born in Toronto to refugee slaves who escaped Virginia via the Underground Railroad. Working as a skilled baker and cab driver, Hubbard once rescued publisher George Brown from drowning when Brown's horse carriage overturned in the Don River, forging an enduring friendship.

Entering municipal politics in 1894, Hubbard was elected alderman for Ward 4, winning fifteen consecutive elections in a city that was 99% white. Serving on the powerful Board of Control and frequently as Acting Mayor of Toronto, Hubbard was the decisive political champion who partnered with Sir Adam Beck to establish public municipal electrical distribution and Ontario Hydro.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Toronto Necropolis Cemetery
Toronto, Canada

                         GPS: 43.6667, -79.3667                    

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