O’Connor Village Parkette is officially being renamed as Willis Blair Parkette in honour of the former East York mayor who passed away last April at the age of 90.
The renaming ceremony will take place at the parkette on 1570 O’Connor Dr., right off of Blair St. which is also named after him.
The parkette’s new sign will be unveiled at noon and a reception will be held at Blair’s home parish, the Westview Presbyterian Church at 233 Westview Blvd.
Willis Blair served in the East York Council for 18 years from 1958 to 1976. He also served as councillor and chair of the Parks committee on Metro Toronto Council from 1967 to 1976.
“Naming a park after Willis Blair is an appropriate way to recogniize his community and recreational contributions to the city,” said Beaches-East York Councillor Janet Davis.
“He was a good man and well-respected.”
During his time in public service, he played a major role in bringing sports to the city.
In 1975, East York hosted the first World Junior Curling Championship. Blair also worked to bring Major League Baseball to Toronto, helping to establish the Toronto Blue Jays franchise.
Blair passed away on April 5, 2014.
He is survived by his wife Elsie, son Douglas (Marilyn), daughters Judy Feltcher (Charlie) and Janice Jones.