Howard Moscoe, a former Toronto Transit Commission chair and city councillor, has died at the age of 86. His passing was announced over the weekend, prompting tributes from colleagues and community leaders.
A Life Dedicated to Public Service
Born on November 28, 1939, Moscoe began his career as a high school art teacher in North York before transitioning into politics. He served as president of the North York Teachers' Federation and governor of the Ontario Teachers' Federation. His art background later contributed to a successful election sign business.
Moscoe first entered politics as a member of the provincial New Democratic Party, running three times for Member of Provincial Parliament in the Wilson Heights riding. He then served as a North York alderman, Metro councillor, and later Toronto city councillor for the Eglinton-Lawrence riding before retiring in 2010.
Key Achievements and Advocacy
Mayor Olivia Chow described Moscoe as a "friend to many" and noted his enormous contributions to Toronto. She highlighted his work in promoting a municipal housing corporation in North York to support rent-geared-to-income housing. Moscoe also attended rallies against apartheid in South Africa and supported human rights efforts in Nigeria during the 1980s.
In the 1990s, he was an early supporter of LGBTQIA+ issues at the TTC when the community sought advertising space on transit vehicles. He also supported uploading the Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway to the province.
First Chair of the TTC
In 1997, following the amalgamation of Toronto, Moscoe became the first chair of the TTC. Under his leadership, the TTC broke ground on the new Queens Quay streetcar line, began construction on the Sheppard Subway, and started building the new Transit Control Centre at Hillcrest Complex.
During his second term as chair, Moscoe steered the TTC through the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome crisis and North America's largest electricity blackout, both of which caused significant declines in ridership. He introduced the Ridership Growth Strategy in 2003, which saw the system grow to over half a billion riders annually.
Remembered as a Tenacious Fighter
Mayor Chow recalled Moscoe as a "tenacious fighter for social justice" who never attacked people personally but debated urban policy with enthusiasm and humour. Councillor Mike Colle called him an "amazing master of city politics" and a "political dynamo" who worked tirelessly to help people.
Councillor Anthony Perruzza described Moscoe as a "true champion for the little guy" who believed deeply in fairness and compassion. Councillor Brad Bradford noted his larger-than-life personality and involvement in Toronto's Jewish community.
The TTC lowered flags to half-mast across its properties in honour of Moscoe, extending condolences to his family and friends.
