August 31, 1999

To:Toronto Community Council

From:W. (Wally) Kowalenko, City Surveyor, Technical Services Division

Subject:Naming of Street after William Hancox (Ward 26 - East Toronto)

Purpose:

This report recommends that the name "William Hancox Avenue" be authorized for use on the Draft Plan of Subdivision for the redevelopment of the lands east of Main Street and north of Gerrard Street East.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

N/A

Recommendations:

1. That the name "William Hancox Avenue" be approved for Street D on the Draft Plan of Subdivision for the East of Main area, illustrated on Map A attached.

2. That the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect to, including the introduction in Council of any Bills that may be required.

Council Reference/Background/History:

Councillor Tom Jakobek received a request from Police Constable Steve Kelly and his fellow officers of the Toronto Police Services 55 Division Community Response Unit, to name a street in the proposed East of Main Subdivision in memory of Police Constable William Hancox. Constable Hancox was slain in August 1998 while on duty.

Constable Steve Kelly in his request to Councillor Tom Jakobek, an excerpt of which is outlined in Appendix "A", indicated that Constable Hancox's widow has been advised of and concurs with the proposal. Julius De Ruyter of PMG Planning Consultants, agent for the owners of the proposed subdivision, also supports the name.

Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:

The proposed name has been circulated to Councillor Sandra Bussin, Heritage Toronto, and Fire Services for comment. The name has the support of Councillor Bussin and Heritage Toronto. Fire Services does not support the name because it is a combination of streets named "William" and "Hancock" in Toronto.

Conclusions:

The proposed name "William Hancox Avenue" is consistent with the policy for naming streets and lanes approved by the former Toronto City Council on July 11, 1988 (Clause 4, Executive Committee Report No. 22).

Contact Name:

Desmond Christopher

Telephone: (416)392-1831

Fax: (416)392-0081

E-mail: dchristo@toronto.ca

W. (Wally) Kowalenko

City Surveyor

BH

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Appendix "A"

Letter from Police Constable Steve Kelly to Councillor Tom Jakobek

Tom:

Pursuant to our recent telephone conversation, this letter is to follow up on the naming of a street in the Main/Gerrard area.

As you know, last August Police Constable William Hancox was slain while on duty. The tragedy galvanized the citizens of Toronto to a never before seen outpouring of emotion and support for Bill's family.

Bill was an exemplary police officer, who served the majority of his career here in 55 Division. As a matter of fact, prior to his last assignment, Bill was a member of the 55 Division Community Response Unit. In that capacity, Bill had outstanding rapport with the citizen's in the Main and Gerrard area and was a fixture at all community events. Many citizens of the 55 Division community continue to comment on the positive impact this officer had on them, and often inquire about some lasting testament to his ultimate sacrifice.

We felt it would be fitting to name one of the streets in the new development, after Bill, as a lasting memorial to a fine Police Officer, husband and loving father, and it would be especially apropos to have it in his old "Beat."

I have spoken to Kim, Bill's widow, and she is 100% behind the idea. To that end, I will obtain her written permission to pursue the street naming, and any and all assistance you can offer will be greatly appreciated.

Memorandum from Richard Stromberg, Heritage Toronto

Re: Naming of new street for William Hancox

This request complies with the City's policy on street naming; thus, Heritage Toronto has no objection.

Memorandum from Sandra Hoeflich, Fire Services

The proposed street name of William Hancox is not acceptable to Fire Services as it conflicts with other street names in Toronto. Also there has been a park in former Scarborough dedicated in his honour. All these may hamper the dispatch of vehicles to an incident.