William Peyton Hubbard 1842-1935
Born in Toronto to parents who had been freed from slavery in Virginia, William Peyton Hubbard became this city's first Black elected politician and one of its most influential elected officials. A baker, cab driver, and businessman, Hubbard was first elected to City Council in 1894. At a time when Black Torontonians were barred from some Toronto hotels and restaurants, he won another 13 consecutive yearly elections, and became Toronto's second most powerful elected official, at times serving as acting Mayor. A passionate and sharp debater, Hubbard was an influential advocate for fairness, efficiency, and democracy in government, and a key supporter of public control of electricity and water supplies. Among other roles, Hubbard also served for 40 years as a Board member of the House of Industry, a municipal charity assisting Toronto's poor. After losing the 1908 election, Hubbard had this home constructed for his family. He lived here until his death at the age of 93.
Plaque via Alan L. Brown's site Toronto Plaques. Full page here.