In 1979 Toronto City Council established this award, named after its first woman member, Constance E. Hamilton, who was elected in 1920. The award commemorates the Privy Council decision of 1929, which requires the federal government to recognize women as "persons" according to the terms of the Constitution Act, 1867 and recognizes Persons Day, October 18, the date that the judgement was handed down.

To qualify, a recipient must be a resident of Toronto whose actions have had a significant impact on securing equitable treatment for women in Toronto, either socially, economically or culturally.

The women members of Toronto City Council select the recipient(s) of the Constance E. Hamilton Award.

Past Constance E. Hamilton Award recipients.