WHEREAS the first Monday in August is a Civic Holiday. In 1968 Toronto City Council officially named it "Simcoe Day" to honour Major-General John Graves Simcoe who was appointed the first Lieutenant Governor when the province of Upper Canada was created on September 12th, 1791.

As a British soldier, John Graves Simcoe distinguished himself during the American Revolutionary War, and in 1777 earned an appointment to lead the elite Queen's Rangers regiment. He returned to England in 1781 and was later elected to the House of Commons.

As one of Toronto's earliest historical figures, John Graves Simcoe was more than a regional Governor. Under his leadership, Toronto was founded with a commitment to the abolition of slavery, he was responsible for the creation of Yonge Street and even inspired the agricultural fair tradition.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor David Miller, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim August 1, 2005 as "Simcoe Day" in the City of Toronto and encourage residents to gather with family and friends for a day of fun and recreation.

Mayor David Miller