Office of the Chief Executive

Earlier today, it was my privilege to be with veterans and officials from the Toronto Royal Canadian Legion for TTC's annual poppy campaign launch.

The TTC is proud and honoured to support this long-standing tradition. Veterans will be in the subway system until Remembrance Day. Please make a contribution, accept a poppy, and thank them for their service and sacrifice.

The Legion’s annual poppy campaign is important for many reasons: it commemorates everyone who served and sacrificed for our country, it raises money to assist ex-service personnel and their dependents, and it reminds us to never forget those who lost their lives during war and peacekeeping missions.

On Monday, November 11, at 11 a.m., all TTC vehicles will stop and stay for two minutes in remembrance. Every Remembrance Day, all current members of the Canadian Armed Forces in uniform, war and peacekeeping veterans, and one companion, ride free of charge. The TTC Honour Guard will be participating in Remembrance Day Ceremonies at the Cenotaph at Old City Hall.

Celebrating women at the TTC
​Earlier this week, I attended a Women’s Empowerment session at Hillcrest in recognition of Women’s History Month. The event was an opportunity to hear from TTC women in leadership, including Revenue Protection Head Andrea Valente, Operations Support Head Tamu Thomas, and OTC Training Manager Dawn Arbeau. We also heard insightful stories about the contributions women have made throughout TTC’s history, which were shared by Toronto Archivist Karen Heath.

My thanks to everyone involved in organizing this outstanding event and to those who attended to learn about the many resources and supports available at the TTC. I was moved by what I heard and hope to attend more discussions in the future.

Flags at half-mast for Allan F. Leach, retired TTC CGM
​Flags are at half-mast in honour of the late Allan Frederick Leach, retired Chief General Manager of the TTC. Mr. Leach died on October 18, 2024 at the age of 88. Mr. Leach was Chief General Manager from 1987 to 1995.

Mr. Leach’s career in the transportation industry spanned 40 years. He worked for the Ontario Department of Highways for 23 years. Mr. Leach was Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer of GO Transit before joining the TTC as Chief General Manager in 1987. In 1995, he was elected MPP for St. George-St. David, and was appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

TTC Board meets next Tuesday
​Board reports for the October 29 meeting were posted this week, including our recommendation to ban lithium-ion-powered e-bikes and e-scooters on the TTC, from November 15 to April 15. The report stems from an incident last year involving a battery explosion and fire on a TTC subway train, as well as several other similar incidents in Toronto.

Other reports on the agenda include contract extensions for Wheel-Trans taxi services, a pilot for an automated camera enforcement system on streetcars to capture motor vehicles passing open doors illegally, and TTC/CUPE Local 470 Collective Agreement ratification. The Board meeting will be live-streamed on the Official TTC YouTube Channel starting at 10 a.m.

Halloween Fest at Bay Lower
​The TTC invites everyone to experience the spooky, but family-friendly Halloween Fest at Bay Lower this weekend. Halloween Fest takes place on Saturday, October 26 (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and Sunday, October 27 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). There will be plenty of fun photos to take, free giveaways and everyone can explore the haunted train in the station – if they dare! Tickets at the door are $5 per entry, and kids two and under are free. All proceeds from this signature annual event go to United Way Greater Toronto.

Greg Percy
​Interim Chief Executive Officer
​October 25, 2024