Office of the Chief Executive

I want to begin this week’s message by expressing our deepest condolences to the family and friends of TTC Commissioner and Scarborough Councillor Cynthia Lai. Commissioner Lai passed away on October 21. She was first elected to City Council in 2018 and was appointed to the TTC Board later in her term. All flags across the TTC were lowered to half-mast in honour of the late Commissioner.

Poppy campaign kicks off October 28
This morning, the TTC welcomed Canadian veterans at Leslie Station for the launch of the Toronto Royal Canadian Legion’s annual poppy campaign. The TTC encourages all employees and customers to wear a poppy, to make a contribution and to take a moment to thank the veterans you encounter on our system over the next couple of weeks.

As has been our long-standing tradition, on Remembrance Day, Friday, November 11, at 11 a.m., the TTC will pause all service for two minutes to honour those who died in service of our country. Also on Remembrance Day, all current members of the Canadian Armed Forces in uniform, as well as war and peacekeeping veterans wearing military service medals or ribbons can ride the TTC free of charge, along with one companion.

Recognition for TTC’s 100-year book
The winners of the annual Heritage Toronto Awards were unveiled earlier this month, and I’m pleased to share the news that our 100th anniversary book, A Century of Moving Toronto: TTC 1921–2021, was selected as runner up in a field of 23 other publications.

The hard-cover book chronicles the 100-year history of the TTC. It’s a story that celebrates the commitment of generations of TTC workers, which has been critical to the success of our great city.

Congratulations to the contributing authors: Deborah Brown, Mike DeToma, Scott Haskill, Chris Prentice, Michael Roschlau and Ted Wickson, and everyone who made the book possible. It’s a grand achievement and wonderful reading. Copies are available for purchase in the TTC’s online shop.

Halloween Fest at Bay Lower this weekend
I’d like to invite everyone to visit TTC Halloween Fest at Bay Lower Station on Saturday, October 29 and Sunday, October 30. TTC volunteers are putting on a scary, but family friendly great time to raise money for the United Way Greater Toronto. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone arrive in costume. Wander through the spooky Trick-or-Train experience for kids, explore the TTC history exhibit and enjoy other fun activities.

Halloween Fest takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door. All proceeds go to the TTC/United Way campaign.

I’d like to close this message by congratulating the TTC’s former Chief Service Officer, Collie Greenwood, on his recent appointment to General Manager and Chief Executive Officer at the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). Collie joined MARTA in 2019 as Chief of Bus Operations and Urban Planning. This appointment is one more example of the amazing talent we have here at the TTC. Congratulations Collie!

Have a safe and fun Halloween.

Richard J. Leary
Chief Executive Officer
October 28, 2022