‘A passionate community builder’: Here’s what they’re saying about the death of Mel Lastman

Thestar.com
Dec. 13, 2021
Akrit Michael

Melvin “Mel” Lastman, the first mayor of the amalgamated city of Toronto, died Saturday night at the age of 88.

Tributes and messages of consolation for the family poured in on social media platforms.

“A passionate community builder and successful business leader, Mel Lastman dedicated much of his life to politics and public service,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted.

In a statement posted Saturday, Toronto Mayor John Tory said: “On behalf of all Toronto residents, I want to send my condolences to Mel Lastman’s family and friends at this time.”

As the first mayor of the unified city, Tory wrote, Lastman “was so committed to the city and worked throughout his time in office to make sure Toronto moved forward as one united city and into the 21st century.”

“Mel was a true leader and builder for @cityoftoronto,” Premier Doug Ford tweeted, along with a photo of him with the former mayor.

Former Ontario premier Mike Harris shared a statement with the Star: “I was so very sorry to hear the news of Mel Lastman’s passing. I will miss him. Toronto will miss him.

“Mel was a good friend, political colleague and a wonderful first mayor of Toronto. He cared passionately about both the people and the success of our city. On behalf of Laura and myself and our family, sincere condolences to the Lastman family. We share in your sadness and your loss.”

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson shared his memory of Lastman joining him as they walked up Parliament Hill to see then prime minister Jean Chrétien.

“Saddened by the passing of Mel Lastman, a legend in business and politics, and the father, of course, of #CFL Chair Dale Lastman,” tweeted Canadian Football League commissioner Randy Ambrosie.

Writer and filmmaker Jesse Hawken tweeted about how Lastman helped him embrace his weird side.

Toronto city councillor Mike Colle called Lastman a “longtime mentor and friend.”

“Mel shaped municipal politics for the better and leaves a lasting legacy behind as a visionary and city builder,” tweeted Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie.

Former Toronto mayor David Miller praised Lastman’s legacy as mayor of North York, prior to Toronto’s amalgamation.

“I grew up in North York and Mel Lastman was my mayor. I worked on his campaigns,” wrote Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua.