Member of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: April 13, 1994
• Invested on: October 19, 1994

Well-loved as "Mr. Toronto", he has been a member of the Ontario Legislature, an alderman, mayor of the city, a controller, and Chairman of the Toronto Transit Commission. During thirty-six years of public service, he was a staunch supporter of subsidized housing and the Metropolitan form of government, but he is best-known for the key roles he played in the construction of Canada's first subway system and in bringing Sunday sports and entertainment events to Toronto.