Office of the Chief Executive

Yesterday, February 1, marked the beginning of Black History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of the Black community. This year’s campaign theme is Building on Legacies: Celebrating Black Excellence in Toronto.

We’ve built on the success of last year’s Black History Month celebrations to recognize even more excellence within our great city. To kick off Black History Month, the TTC held an opening ceremony at Leslie Barns yesterday afternoon. The event included performances, an exhibit by the Toronto Archives, and messages from the Mayor of Toronto, TTC Chair, Black Transit Worker Association and many others.

There are many opportunities to engage with colleagues and the community throughout the month and beyond. The TTC has once again partnered with AstroSankofa Arts Initiatives to showcase artwork of Black artists and youth on TTC buses, streetcars and in several stations. These amazing art pieces depict the excellence of Black Torontonians who have served as Black leaders in politics, education and transit, among other key areas.

Within our work locations, TTC employees have shared their own examples of Black Excellence in Toronto. Keep an eye out for employee posters across the organization, as well as videos and more exciting content on the MyTTC | Now TVs, on MyTTC | SAP Jam and here, on MyTTC | Weekly. TTC Recreation Committees have also created their own Black History Month displays at their work locations. And on February 24, we will have an employee gala to wrap up our Black History Month celebrations – more on that to come!

Black History Month provides a dedicated time to acknowledge and honour the achievements, contributions, and rich cultural heritage of Black individuals throughout history. With this understanding, we develop a greater appreciation of their continued impact on society, and together, we will build a more inclusive TTC for everyone.

Senior Management Team plan for 2024 success
​The Senior Management Team held its first SMT Meeting of the year to network and discuss opportunities for improvement across the organization. I look forward to more of these events throughout the year, and thank our senior leaders for their ongoing leadership.

Funding announced for SRT Line 3 Busway
​Yesterday, I was proud to join TTC Chair Jamaal Myers at Scarborough Centre Station for Mayor Olivia Chow’s announcement on the City’s budget, including full funding for the SRT Line 3 Busway as well as investments in TTC safety, security and well-being on the network, such as a high-visibility TTC staff presence.

Richard J. Leary
​Chief Executive Officer
​February 2, 2024