Biography:Florence Gell

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Florence Ellis Gell
File:Florence Gell portrait 1960 York Deputy Reeve.jpg
Gell at the wheel of the new LaFrance Aerial Ladder Truck delivered to the Township in 1960
Born
Florence Ellis Bailey

(1906-09-17)September 17, 1906
Lachute Mills, Quebec, Canada
Died(2001-03-20)March 20, 2001
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
OccupationFactory worker, stenographer, politician
Board member of
  • Humber College
  • Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Foundation
  • Ontario Traffic Conference
  • St. Hilda's Towers
  • York Township Housing Co.
Spouse(s)George William Gell
Children2

Florence Ellis Gell (hard ⟨G⟩, /ɡɛl/, née Bailey, 1906–2001) was a Canadian civic leader and municipal politician in the former City of York, Ontario. Gell was the first woman to serve in a number of public positions and received local and provincial honours for her public service, including York's Citizen of the Decade award.

Background

Florence Gell was born in 1906 to Annie Reed and George Arthur Bailey in Lachute Mills, Quebec. She moved with her family at a young age to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, where she lived until 1919. Gell was living independently of her parents and was in full-time employment in Toronto, Ontario, by late 1920. She married George William Gell in 1930 in Toronto before moving to the Lambton Park neighbourhood of York in 1932, where they had two sons. George Gell served with the Royal Canadian Air Force and was killed in Germany in April 1945.[1][2]

Politics

While serving as a school trustee (1951–1953),[3] Gell was elected Chair of the York Board of Education (Jan 1953)[4][5] and then a member of York's Municipal Council (Dec 1953).[6][7] For the majority of her time on the council, Gell served (first appointed, then elected) as a Deputy Reeve (1958–1966).[8][9] She was the first woman to hold each of the positions of York Board Chair, Municipal Councillor, and Deputy Reeve, as well as the only woman on the York Council during her tenure.[10]

Gell inspired Gayle Christie to enter York politics. Christie was elected Mayor of York in 1978.[11][12]

During her time (1954–1966) on the York Township Council, Gell was involved in its functions of health & welfare, traffic, housing, parks & recreation, library services, finance, planning, etc. She engaged in direct consultations with her constituents and kept a list of every person who phoned her with their concerns.[13][14][15][16][17]

File:Florence Gell 1954 York Township Council.jpg
Florence Gell on the Municipal Council of the Township of York, 1954
(City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 501, File 15)

Gell was re-elected by large margins.[citation needed] In 1956, the Township Council established § Florence Gell Park at the request of a group of her constituents, the Warren Park Ratepayers' Association.[18][19][20]

Florence Gell on the
York Township Municipal Council
"Florence Gell got people jobs with the Works Department, the Parks Department and the Fire Department. She loved attending to people's municipal problems. She was a one-person combination neighbourhood watch/by-law enforcement officer ... She encouraged a generation of younger politicians.

— John Gell (2000), son of Florence Gell, "Mrs. Florence Gell: The First Lady of York", Memories of Lambton Park, Toronto, Ontario: 2000, pp. 145–146.

In her 1964 testimony before an Ontario Royal Commission, Gell strongly supported a system of small civic departments organized by lower-tier municipalities within the greater Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto. She held that smaller municipal departments, under the supervision of local elected representatives, were more efficient and better able to meet local needs.[17]

During the 1960s, Gell supported the council's plans for the construction of high-rise apartment buildings to increase the tax base ("assessment") in residential areas then comprising single-family dwellings. Gell's position on the matter was contrary to strong popular opinion, including that of the Warren Park Ratepayers' Association.[21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28]

In September 1965, the Commissioner of the York Parks and Recreation Department accused Gell of repeated interference in its operations. Many people and community organizations publicly supported the Commissioner, who, along with several other employees, resigned in 1966 over the matter and other administrative obstructions imposed by the York Council.[29][30][31][32]

The controversies surrounding the erection of numerous apartment buildings and the administration of the Parks and Recreation Department contributed to Gell's electoral defeat in December 1966. The Warren Park Ratepayers' Association had campaigned against her.[29][33]

Electoral results

Florence Gell's share of December election vote in Ward Three of York Township
(for a one- or two-year term starting the following January 1)
Election 1953 1954 1955 1956 1958 1960 1962 1964
Gell's Share 57.8%[upper-alpha 1] 81.3% 68.1%[upper-alpha 2] 72.5% 74.4% 50.3%[upper-alpha 3] 63.9% 64.9%
Candidates 3 2 3 2 2 2 2 2
Position Councillor[upper-alpha 4] Deputy Reeve
(Source: City of Toronto Archives, York Council Minutes, Fonds 211, Series 646, Files 42–45, 47, 49, 51, & 53.)[upper-alpha 5]
Re: December 1966 election for the new Borough of York — Gell finished third with 17.9% in a field of five candidates for the two positions of Controller on the Council of the new Borough of York. The respective vote shares were 30.3%, 28.1%, 17.9%, 17.4%, and 6.4%. The Toronto Star reported that Gell was one of two York veterans that had been "swept under in the 'anti-vote' ".[42] The editor of the Weston Times described these two losses as "the greatest surprise" of the York election.[43]

Other public service

File:Florence Gell portrait 1967 OTC.jpg
Florence Gell, President, Ontario Traffic Conference, April 1967.
(Ontario Traffic Council archives.)

Following Gell's departure from municipal politics in December 1966, she continued her progression through the ranks to become President of the Ontario Traffic Conference (OTC) (1967),[44] Chair of the Board of Governors of Humber College (1977),[5] and Chair of the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (1983).[45][46] Gell was the first woman to hold each of the chair positions. As of 2026, she has been one of only two woman to serve as OTC President.[47]

Gell also served on the governing boards of the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Foundation (1973–1990), Northwestern General Hospital (1974–c.1978), Osler School of Nursing (1970–1973), Runnymede Hospital (c.1967–1974+), St. Hilda's Towers Foundation (1987–1992+), St. Hilda's Towers, Inc. (affordable rental housing for seniors, with assisted living services and recreational activities) (1975, then 1980–1994+), and York Township (1967 Borough of York) Housing Company (public Beech Hall Apartments for low-income seniors).[48][49][50][51][52]

In February 1957, Gell was appointed to the Toronto Conservation Authority by the Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto. During her time (1957–1984) at the Conservation Authority, Gell served on its Information and Education Advisory Board, first as Vice-Chair (1957) and then as Chair (1967), prior to becoming the Vice-Chair (1975) and then Chair (1983) of the Authority. The latter two positions made her an ex officio member of all advisory boards.[53][54]

Gell's presence on the Information and Education Advisory Board of the Conservation Authority allowed her to play a role in the establishment and promotion of its conservation school and education field centres.[55][56][57][58] In 1959, while Vice-Chair of the Advisory Board, Gell was Chair of its Conservation Camp School Sub-committee. This sub-committee selected the architect for the proposed Albion Hills Conservation School and approved the plans for submission to the Authority's Executive Committee for final approval.[59][60] Gell was a school trustee in 1953 and accompanied the class to the York Memorial Camp School.[61] In 1956, Gell was a member of the Humber Valley Conservation Authority where the Albion Hills School was first proposed.[62]

Gell became Chair of the Information and Education Advisory Board in February 1967. She was elected by acclamation upon her nomination by Charles Sauriol.[63] This made Gell an ex officio member of the Executive Committee of the Conservation Authority.[64] The Executive Committee appointed Gell in November 1967 to a three-person delegation to school boards to present the Authority's plans for the establishment of conservation field centres.[65] The delegation was repeated with Gell in February 1977 on the subject of "planning, development, and management of outdoor and conservation education programmes".[66]

In December 1968, Gell organized and hosted a seminar on all aspects of conservation education for 73 representatives from Ontario's 36 conservation authorities.[67][68] In November 1970, Gell co-hosted (with Walter M. Tovell [upper-alpha 6]) a second seminar on conservation education for representatives from the authorities and the Ontario Department of Education. This seminar occurred over three days and had 40 attendees.[76][77]

During Gell's tenure as Chair of the Advisory Board (1967–1975), three additional education field centres were opened: Cold Creek in September 1968, Claremont in March 1970, and Boyd in November 1974.[78][79][80][81][82] Gell served on the Management Advisory Committee (1963–1973) for these education facilities and was Committee Chair (1964–1969).[54] Gell also served (1970–1975) on the executive's standing sub-committee for the conservation farm that was attached to the Albion Hills Field Centre.[83][84][85]

Gell was also active in the promotion and education programme of the Authority's living history museum, The Village at Black Creek, then known as Black Creek Pioneer Village.[86][87][88] In May 1967, she was one of the two persons holding the rope that was cut by Ontario Premier John Robarts at the ceremonial official opening[upper-alpha 7] of the Village.[90]

Gell was appointed in October 1969 to an ad hoc sub-committee of the Executive Committee to study the financing of the education programme at Black Creek Village and to request assistance in that regard from the provincial government.[91][92] In November 1971, Gell was one of two co-ordinators appointed to form an ad hoc committee of the Historical Sites Advisory Board for the preparation and presentation of a brief to the Minister of Education seeking financial support for the Black Creek Village education programme.[93]

In 1993, the Conservation Authority appointed Gell as Honorary Deputy Reeve of Black Creek Village for a one-year term beginning July 1. She was also named Honorary Reeve for the subsequent year.[94][95][96][97]

Florence Gell Garden

Plaque at The Village at Black Creek honouring Florence Gell for her public service with the Conservation Authority.

On June 21, 1985, the Conservation Authority unveiled the Florence Gell Garden and plaque on the grounds of Black Creek Village in recognition of Gell's "remarkable contribution to conservation".[98][99]

Conservation Foundation

The Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Foundation was incorporated in April 1961 as a charitable organization to raise and hold funds in support of the work of the Conservation Authority.[100][101][upper-alpha 8] The Authority appointed Gell to the Conservation Foundation in 1973. Gell served as a Foundation Director (1973–1990), President (1985–1988), and Deputy Chair (1988–1990). She retired from the organization in October 1990.[103][100] Upon her retirement, Gell was named Director Emeritus of the Conservation Foundation for "outstanding and long-term service" with the organization.[104]

Ontario Traffic Conference

The Ontario Traffic Conference (OTC) was formed in October 1950 and received its provincial charter as a not-for-profit corporation in June 1956. It changed its name to Ontario Traffic Council in June 2010.[105][106][107] In April 1961, the delegates to the annual convention Gell as a director on its governing board, where she sat until June 1969. Gell was promoted in May 1966 to Vice-President and then in April 1967 to President for a one-year term. She was the first woman to serve in each of these three positions.[44][105][108][109][110][111] During Gell's term as President, the annual convention was reorganized to separate the educational activities from the suppliers' exhibits.[112] Gell was named an Honorary Life Member of the Ontario Traffic Conference in the early 1970s for her work with the organization.[113][114]

Humber College of Applied Arts and Technology

In April 1968, Gell joined the Board of Governors of the public Humber College of Applied Arts and Technology (established 1967). The Ontario Council of Regents recommended Gell's initial appointment and first renewal for approval by the Minister of Education. The Council itself approved her two subsequent renewals. Gell reached the eight-year term limit for a provincial appointee at the end of 1975. The Borough of York then appointed her to the Humber Board in January 1976 as its representative for a four-year term.[115][116][117][118][119] In February 1974, the Humber Board elected Gell as Vice-Chair. This appointment was renewed in 1975 and 1976. She was then elected Chair of the Board in February 1977 and 1978.[5][119][120][121][122] During her time on the Humber Board, Gell served as Chair of its Program Committee. This Committee evaluated existing and proposed educational programs and changes at the college.[118][121][123] Gell also served on the Social Services Advisory Committee, which advised the Board on the curricula of the social service programs offered at the college.[124][125][126]

In 1979, a group of women affiliated with Humber College established the Florence Gell Award, which was given annually to one or more female students for high performance in the college's journalism program.[127][128]

Community work

Gell's community and public positions included

  • Vestry Clerk, Advisory Board officer, Toronto Synod lay delegate, and a principal fundraiser for The Church of the Advent (Anglican);[129][130][131][132][133]
  • Rationing Officer during World War II;[134][135]
  • Volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross Society;[136][137]
  • Member and President of the Lambton Park Home and School Association;[138]
  • Adult advisor to the youth-run Jack and Jill Club for Teenagers;[139]
  • Corresponding Secretary of the York Community Council;[140][141]
  • Chair, then Corresponding Secretary, of the York Advisory Recreation Committee;[142][135][143]
  • Member of the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire (Magna Charta Chapter);[144]
  • Director of the Toronto and District Urban School Trustees' Association;[145]
  • Returning Officer and Clerk for provincial elections;[146]
  • Advocate for the establishment of public daycare facilities for children;[129][147]
  • Chair of the Fireworks Committee for the annual community Victoria Day celebration;[148][149]
  • Active member and convention delegate of the local Progressive Conservative Association;[150][151]
  • Member of the York Safety Council;[152]
  • Member and spokesperson of the Committee Representing York Borough Hospitals;[153]
  • Senior volunteer at St. Hilda's Towers;[50]
  • Member of York's Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee.[154]

Gell's philanthropic activities included fundraising for the Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Red Cross Society, United Appeal for Metropolitan Toronto (United Way since 1973) and York Township School.[155][156][157][158][159] Gell was named York's first Citizen of the Decade in 1978. She received the Ontario Bicentennial Medal in 1984 and the Ontario Senior Achievement Award in 1989.[160][161]

Township of York

In February 1946, the Township Council appointed Gell to its new citizen's Advisory Recreation Committee. Gell remained a citizen-member through December 1953, after which she joined the Council itself.[162][163][11][164][165] Gell was Chair of the Committee in 1946–1947 and then Corresponding Secretary in 1949–1953. As Secretary, Gell received an honorarium from the Township, unlike all other positions on the committee.[142][143][166]

The Church of the Advent (Anglican), Pritchard Avenue, York

In February 1967, Gell joined the parish's Advisory Board. She remained on the Board until February 1989, with an eight-month gap from June 1986.[167][131] The Advisory Board was the operating committee of the Church's Vestry (parish council). Gell became Advent's Vestry Clerk in January 1968. She served in the position 1968–1976, 1981–1986 (June), and 1990–1995 (July).[167][131] Gell was active for many years in the production of the Church's monthly communication to its members.[131][168] Gell chaired the organizing committees for various events, which produced substantial revenue for the Church.[169][170][171][172][173]

Following Gell's death in 2001, The Church set up a fund for scholastic bursaries in her memory, the first five of which were given out in 2005.[160][upper-alpha 9]

Honours

File:Ontario Bicentennial Medal 1984 GRM&A.jpg
Ontario Bicentennial Medal
(Grey Roots Museum & Archives, Owen Sound, Ontario)
  • Honorary Life Member of the Ontario Traffic Conference (early 1970s);[113][114]
  • York's first Citizen of the Decade award (1978);[174][175][176]
  • The Ontario Bicentennial Medal (1984);[177][178]
  • Ontario Senior Achievement Award (1989);[161]
  • Director Emeritus of the Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto (1990);[104]
  • Honorary Deputy Reeve (1993) and Honorary Reeve (1994) of Black Creek Village in the Conservation Authority (one-year terms from July 1).[94][95][96]

The following were named in Gell's honour

  • Florence Gell Park (1956) in the Warren Park neighbourhood of York;[179]
  • The Florence Gell Award (1979) at Humber College;[127]
  • The Florence Gell Garden (1985) at Black Creek Village;[180]
  • Florence Gell Memorial Bursary (2005) at The Church of the Advent.[181]

Explanatory notes

  1. ↑ In Gell's first Council election, Charles Cashman, the incumbent Councillor, was elected to the position of Deputy Reeve for Ward Three.
  2. ↑ In 1955, voters approved a two-year term for subsequent elections.
  3. ↑ Gell's relatively poor polling in 1960 was a result of the scandal surrounding the purchase by Reeve Chris Tonks of Township land and the subsequent provincial inquiry (May–Sep 1959) into the general land financial affairs of the Council, which were condemned in the Report of the inquiry (Apr 1960). These events led to a campaign by a Citizens' Committee to unseat all incumbents.[34][35][36][37][38][39][40]
  4. ↑ In May 1958, Gell was appointed Deputy Reeve by the Council to fill the vacancy created by the death of Charles Cashman.[41]
  5. ↑ Note: Vote counts reported in newspapers are not necessarily final results.
  6. ↑ Walter Massey Tovell, a geologist, naturalist, public lecturer, and instructor, was a member with Gell of the 1967 and 1977 delegations to school boards and a co-host with her of the 1968 and 1970 seminars on conservation education.[65][66][68][69][70][71][72][73][74][75]
  7. ↑ The public dedication and opening occurred in June 1960 with 60% of the project completed. In February 1961, the ceremonial official opening was expected to occur in 1967, Canada's Centennial Year.[89]
  8. ↑ Subsequent name changes: 2011 - The Living City Foundation; 2018 operating, 2020 legal - Toronto and Region Conservation Foundation.[100][102]
  9. ↑ The Church of the Advent was closed in October 2015 when it was amalgamated with three other parishes to form St. Mary & St. Martha Anglican Church in the Mount Dennis premises of the amalgamated Church of the Good Shepherd.

Citations

  1. ↑ Gell. 2000. pp. 143–144.; Ryan. 2024. p. 7.
  2. ↑ "Gell, George William, Service № J40435". Library and Archives Canada, Second World War Service Files – War Dead, 1939 to 1947, RG 24, Volume 27579. (Posted Nov 25, 2016, accessed Apr 16, 2025.)
  3. ↑ Ryan. 2024. p. 16.
  4. ↑ Photograph captioned "Mrs. Florence Gell ... first lady chairman of York twp. board of education ...", The Toronto Star, Jan 13, 1953, p. 7.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Gell Appointed Board Chairman", Humber Happening, Winter 1977, Vol. 3, No. 5, p. 6. (Humber Archives, accessed Aug 28, 2025)
  6. ↑ Photograph captioned "Mrs. Florence Gell ... First Woman Councillor in History of York Township", The Toronto Star, Dec 7, 1953, p. 14.
  7. ↑ "Election Briefs", Times and Guide (Weston), Dec 10, 1953, pp. 1 & 3. (Accessed Apr 14, 2025.)
  8. ↑ "| "Florence Gell is Appointed Deputy Reeve", Times & Guide, Apr 17, 1958, p. 1. (Accessed May 10, 2025.)
  9. ↑ "How the Votes Went: Suburban Elections" & "Big Majority Returns Tonks as Reeve", The Toronto Star, Dec 2, 1958, p. 8.
  10. ↑ City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 211, Series 646, York Council Minutes.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Ryan. 2024. p. 7.
  12. ↑ William Burrill, "Wolves howled outside Gayle Christie's door", The Toronto Star, Apr 5, 1981, p. D10 (online 76).
  13. ↑ Ryan. 2024. pp. 9–10 (comments by Gell & McLean), 16, 21, 26–27.
  14. ↑ “She Bans Press from ‘Backyard’ Sunday Meet”, The Toronto Star, Mar 23, 1959, p. 8.
  15. ↑ "Council Vote 5–4: York Bid to Fire Planners Fails", The Toronto Star, Jan 17, 1961, p. 17.
  16. ↑ Florence Gell. "Health and Welfare is Key to York’s Great Future". Weston Times, Nov 24, 1966, p. 25. (Accessed Aug 6, 2025)
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Florence Gell, Testimony of June 4, 1964. Hearings of the Ontario Royal Commission on Metropolitan Toronto. Vol. 16, pp. 1583–1591. (Accessed Aug 6, 2025)
  18. ↑ City of Toronto Archives, York Committee of General Purposes Minutes, Sep 4 & 24, 1956, Fonds 211, Series 669, File 4, pp. 453 & 485.
  19. ↑ John Gell. 2000. p. 145.
  20. ↑ Ryan. 2024. p. 23.
  21. ↑ Ryan. 2024. pp. 10, 30–41.
  22. ↑ "New York Township Reeve Favors 'Posh' Apartments", The Toronto Star, Jan 3, 1962, p. 19.
  23. ↑ "Committee Approves Rezoning of Ravine on Expressway Route", The Globe and Mail, Mar 27, 1962, p. 5.
  24. ↑ "'Apartment City' York Township Hope", The Toronto Star, Jan 8, 1963, p. 21.
  25. ↑ "Petition asks for probe into sale of York land", The Globe and Mail, Nov 26, 1966, p. 5. (Re: Apartment development agreement negotiated in 1963 by Reeve Jack Mould & Deputy Reeve Florence Gell for the land on the northeast corner of Jane St. and Woolner Ave.)
  26. ↑ "York apartment would crowd us -- city", The Toronto Star, May 13, 1964, p. 14.
  27. ↑ "York's apartment jungle", The Toronto Star, Sep 15, 1964, p. 6.
  28. ↑ Bob Hewitt. "Don't Let Them Kid You : Apartments Do Hike Taxes". Weston Times. Dec 1, 1966, p. 31. (Accessed Aug 13, 2025)
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 Ryan. 2024. pp. 30–41.
  30. ↑ "York parks chief resigns, charges patronage", The Toronto Star, Mar 29, 1966, p. 17.
  31. ↑ "Parks resignations OK", The Toronto Star, Apr 19, 1966, p. 29.
  32. ↑ City of Toronto Archives, York Council Minutes, Apr 18, 1966, Fonds 211, Series 646, File 55, pp. 87 & 91; York Committee of General Purposes Minutes, Apr 18, 1966, Fonds 211, Series 669, File 24, pp. 260, 277, & Apr 25, pp. 306–307.
  33. ↑ "A New Metro, 6 New Councils: ... York", The Toronto Star, Dec 3, 1966, p. 7.
  34. ↑ Pierre Berton, "Still More Questions on Sales of Real Estate in York Township", The Toronto Star, Mar 13, 1959, p. 31.
  35. ↑ "Real Issue of Tonks Case: Shocking Disregard of Law", The Toronto Star, Mar 14, 1959, p. 1.
  36. ↑ "Seller Friend, Tonks; Friend Say 'No'", The Toronto Star, Mar 18, 1959, pp. 1 & 9.
  37. ↑ "The Reeve Who Bought Land 'He Couldn't Buy'", The Toronto Star, May 14, 1960, p. 11.
  38. ↑ "'Clean Up Own House": York Group Wants Complete Change", The Toronto Star, Dec 2, 1960, p. 21.
  39. ↑ "Taylor Sees Victory as Answer to Tonks", The Toronto Star, Dec 6, 1960, pp. 1 & 8.
  40. ↑ Ontario. Inquiry into certain financial affairs of the Corporation of the Township of York related to sub-divisions of land, zoning by-laws and the sales of municipal lands owned by the said corporation of the said Township of York .... April 1960. (Accessed Aug 9, 2025)
  41. ↑ "Mrs. Florence Gell Named Deputy Reeve", The Toronto Star, May 6, 1958, p. 10.
  42. ↑ "Mayor Jack Mould: His first task ...", The Toronto Star (All Star Night edition), Dec 6, 1966, p. 13.
  43. ↑ "Election Comment", Weston Times, Dec 8, 1966, p. 2. (Accessed May 11, 2025.)
  44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 "Mrs. Gell is First Lady Head Of Ontario Traffic Conference", Weston Times, May 4, 1967, p. 1. (Accessed Apr 14, 2025.)
  45. ↑ The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Minutes. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 1983. pp. A1–A3. (Accessed Oct 18, 2025.)
  46. ↑ "Florence Gell Still Moving Upwards", Humber Dialogue 1 (1): 6, Mar 1983, https://archives.humber.ca/humber-dialogue-volume-1-number-1 
  47. ↑ Ontario Traffic Council. OTC Past-Presidents. (Accessed Jul 8, 2026.)
  48. ↑ Ryan. 2024, pp. 13–22. (see § References)
  49. ↑ "Fairbank Focus: Happy birthday to Bill", Weston-York Times, Apr 13, 1972, p. 5. (Accessed Apr 16, 2025.)
  50. ↑ 50.0 50.1 Ontario Corporation № 696540, St. Hilda's Towers Foundation, Application for Incorporation, Dec 31, 1986. (Available through the Ontario Business Registry in the corporation's "Archive Document Package", https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-business-registry )
  51. ↑ Humber College. 1977. p. 6. (see § References)
  52. ↑ "Official Recognitions", Minutes of the Council of the City of Toronto Apr 23 – May 2, 2001, pp. 302–303. (Accessed Apr 16, 2025.)
  53. ↑ Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto. Minutes of the Council, 1957, Appendix 'A', pp. 150–151, "Report No. 1 of the Planning and Parks Committee".
  54. ↑ 54.0 54.1 Ryan. 2024. p. 17. (see § References)
  55. ↑ "Kids love conservation school says Florence Gell", Weston Times, Dec 12, 1968, p. 3. (Accessed Apr 22, 2025.)
  56. ↑ "Conservation Seminar Held at Woodbridge", The Liberal (Richmond Hill), Dec 12, 1968, p. 6. (Accessed Apr 22, 2025.)
  57. ↑ "Claremont Conservation Area: New field training centre officially opens March 31", The Tribune (Stouffville), Mar 26, 1970, p. 15. (Accessed Apr 22, 2025.)
  58. ↑ Ryan. 2024. pp. 9–10, 17 & 29.; McLean. 2004. pp. 18, 151–161. (see § References)
  59. ↑ The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Minutes. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 1958 (meetings of Jan 1959). pp. 303, 551, 553. (Accessed Oct 18, 2025.)
  60. ↑ The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Minutes. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 1959. pp. 10, 232–233, 311, 408, 418, 424. (Accessed Oct 18, 2025.)
  61. ↑ "Kids love conservation school says Florence Gell", Weston Times, Dec 12, 1968, p. 3. (Accessed Oct 19, 2025.)
  62. ↑ Township of York By-Law No. 15463 of Sep 17, 1956. (Available on request from the City of Toronto Archives.)
  63. ↑ The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Minutes. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Feb 2, 1967. pp. A5–A6. Resolution #14. (Accessed Oct 24, 2025.)
  64. ↑ The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Minutes. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Feb 20, 1957. p. 3. Resolution #6. (Accessed Oct 24, 2025.)
  65. ↑ 65.0 65.1 The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Executive Committee Minutes. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Nov 8, 1967. p. B455. (Accessed Oct 18, 2025.)
  66. ↑ 66.0 66.1 The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Executive Committee Minutes. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Feb 23, 1977. p. B54. (Accessed Oct 18, 2025.)
  67. ↑ The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Executive Committee Minutes. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 1968. pp. B385, B396, B537. (Accessed Oct 18, 2025.)
  68. ↑ 68.0 68.1 "Conservation Seminar Held at Woodbridge", The Liberal (Richmond Hill), Dec 12, 1968, p. 6, col. 9. (Accessed Oct 18, 2025.)
  69. ↑ "Deaths : ... Tovell, Walter Massey", The Toronto Star, Jan 2, 2006, p. B7 (online p. 27).
  70. ↑ The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Minutes, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 1970. pp. A112–A114. (Accessed Dec 27, 2025.)
  71. ↑ "Announcement : Royal Ontario Museum : Dr. Walter Tovell", The Toronto Star, Dec 22, 1971, p. 16.
  72. ↑ Ontario, Legislative Assembly. Official Report of Debates (Hansard). 1972. p. 17. (Accessed Dec 27, 2025.)
  73. ↑ Ontario Water Resources Commission. The Ontario Conference on Coordinated Water Pollution Control. Toronto, Nov 29–30, 1960. Table of Contents. (Accessed Dec 27, 2025.)
  74. ↑ National Wildlife Federation (USA). Conservation Directory 1970. pp. 98–99. (Accessed Dec 27, 2025.)
  75. ↑ "Royal Ontario Museum", University of Toronto Staff Bulletin, Dec 1967, pp. 26–27; Feb 1968, p. 20; Oct 25, 1968, Vol. 22, No. 7, p. 4. (Accessed Dec 27, 2025.)
  76. ↑ The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Minutes, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 1970. "Executive Committee". pp. B508 and B651. "Information and Education Advisory Board". pp. G6–G7. (Accessed Nov 16, 2025.)
  77. ↑ Annual Report of the Chair of the Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Schedule 'A' to Authority Minutes, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Jan 29, 1971. p. A14. (Accessed Nov 16, 2025.)
  78. ↑ Advertisement of the Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, The Toronto Star, Mar 9, 1968, p. 59.
  79. ↑ The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Executive Council Minutes, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 1968. pp. B153 (re: Construction began Apr 22, 1968), B320, B345 (re: Staff Progress Report for May–Aug 1968). (Accessed Oct 22, 2025.)
  80. ↑ "Claremont Conservation Area: New field training centre officially opens March 31", The Tribune (Stouffville), Mar 26, 1970, p. 15. (Accessed Oct 22, 2025.)
  81. ↑ The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Executive Council Minutes, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 1970. pp. B196 & B207 (re: Staff Progress Report for Jan–Apr 1970). (Accessed Oct 23, 2025.)
  82. ↑ The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Executive Council Minutes, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 1974. p. B441 (re: Staff Progress Report for Sep–Dec 1974). (Accessed Oct 22, 2025.)
  83. ↑ The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Executive Committee Minutes, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Feb 4, 1970. pp. B5–B6. and Feb 6, 1974. p. B4. (Accessed Oct 29, 2025.)
  84. ↑ "Another try at farm visit", Weston-York Times, Jan 20, 1972, p. 5. (Accessed Oct 29, 2025.)
  85. ↑ Advertisement for "Farm Manager: Albion Hills Conservation School Farm", The Toronto Star, Jul 22, 1967, p. 47.
  86. ↑ McLean. 2004. p. 18.
  87. ↑ John Gell. 2000. p. 146.
  88. ↑ Ryan. 2024. pp. 7 & 9.
  89. ↑ The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Minutes. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Feb 9, 1961. pp. A12–A13. (Accessed Oct 28, 2025)
  90. ↑ "Robarts Swings into the Past", The Toronto Star (Three Star Night edition), May 27, 1967, p. 3; "Premier's Broadaxe Sets off Fireworks at Pioneer Village", The Globe and Mail, May 27, 1967, p. 11.
  91. ↑ The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Executive Committee Minutes. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Oct 22, 1969. pp. B376–B377. (Accessed Oct 28, 2025.)
  92. ↑ The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Executive Committee Minutes. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Feb 4, 1970. pp. B6–B7. (Accessed Oct 28, 2025.)
  93. ↑ The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Executive Committee Minutes. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Nov 24, 1971. pp. B469–B470. (Accessed Oct 28, 2025.)
  94. ↑ 94.0 94.1 The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Minutes, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 1992 (meeting #11/92 of Jan 22, 1993). p. A152. Minutes, 1998. p. A76. (Accessed Nov 4, 2025.)
  95. ↑ 95.0 95.1 Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board Minutes, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 1992. p. E8. 1993 (meeting #6/93 of Jan 21, 1994). p. E51. (Accessed Nov 4, 2025.)
  96. ↑ 96.0 96.1 "Black Creek musters its militia", The Toronto Star, Jul 2, 1982, p. 12.
  97. ↑ The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Executive Committee Minutes, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Meeting of Aug 14, 1974. pp. B219 & B232. (Accessed Nov 4, 2015.)
  98. ↑ The Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 29th Annual Report – 1985. p. 27.
  99. ↑ The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Minutes. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Feb 21, 1986. p. A3. (Accessed Aug 14, 2025)
  100. ↑ 100.0 100.1 100.2 Ontario Corporation No. 112158, Toronto and Region Conservation Foundation, Letters Patent of Incorporation, Apr 13, 1961; Supplementary Letters Patent, Jun 5, 1990, Sep 2, 2011, Jun 22, 2020; Annual Returns of Apr 1963, Mar 1967, Mar 1968, May 1970, Apr 1974, Feb 1990, and Apr 1991. (Available through the Ontario Business Registry in the corporation's "Archive Document Package", https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-business-registry )
  101. ↑ Toronto and Region Conservation Foundation. https://foundation.trca.ca/ (Accessed Nov 22, 2025.)
  102. ↑ Toronto and Region Conservation Foundation. Annual Report 2018. Financial Statements 2018. (Accessed Dec 27, 2025.)
  103. ↑ Ryan. 2024. p. 22. (see § References)
  104. ↑ 104.0 104.1 The Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 34th Annual Report – 1990. pp. 36–37. (Accessed Oct 25, 2025.)
  105. ↑ 105.0 105.1 Ryan. 2024. pp. 18, 44–45. (see § References)
  106. ↑ "Hamilton Man Named Director", The Hamilton Spectator, Oct 14, 1950, p. 21.
  107. ↑ Ontario Corporation No. 83288, Ontario Traffic Council, Letters Patent of Incorporation, Jun 7, 1956; By-Law No. 1 (as amended at 1958 Annual Meeting); OTC Letter of May 4, 2010; Supplementary Letters Patent, Jun 11, 2010. (Available through the Ontario Business Registry in the corporation's "Archive Document Package", https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-business-registry )
  108. ↑ "Urges New Campaign: Gardiner Alarmed at Road Slaughter", The Toronto Star. Apr 5, 1960, p. 9.
  109. ↑ "More Traffic Bylaws Predicted this Year", The Globe and Mail, Jun 2, 1960, p. 15.
  110. ↑ "Experts on Traffic conclude Conference: York Twp. Woman elected to Directorate", Windsor Star, Apr 20, 1961, p.5.
  111. ↑ Ontario Traffic Conference. Convention Proceedings. Apr 1965. "Registered Delegates". pp. 1-15. (held by Toronto Reference Library)
  112. ↑ "Greetings ... from the President of the Ontario Traffic Conference", Ontario Traffic Conference Magazine, Apr 1968, p. 4, and schedule of events, pp. 20–23. (held by Ontario Traffic Council archives)
  113. ↑ 113.0 113.1 "OTC Life Members", Ontario Traffic Council, www.otc.org. (Accessed May 3, 2025.)
  114. ↑ 114.0 114.1 Ryan. 2024. pp. 23 & 47. (see § References); Sandra Grilo, Manager, Ontario Traffic Council
  115. ↑ L.M. Johnston, Assistant Deputy Minister of Education. Letter of Mar 14, 1968, to J.R. McCarthy, with manuscript notation of Mar 25, 1968, approval of Gell's appointment. Archives of Ontario, File RG 2–38–0–31, Council of Regents CAATS. (FOI Request 2024–244)
  116. ↑ Official Letters of Appointment to Florence Gell: W.G. Davis, Minister of Education, Letter of Nov 29, 1968; H.W. Jackson, Ontario Council of Regents, Letters of Dec 13, 1972, and Nov 26, 1974. – Also: D.A. White, Chair, Humber College, Letter of Oct 17, 1974, to H.W. Jackson. Archives of Ontario, RG 32–44, Correspondence of the Ontario Council of Regents, Container B362334, File Humber College – Board Composition.
  117. ↑ City of Toronto Archives, York Council Minutes, Fonds 211, Series 646, File 67, p. 43, clause 38, and p. 58, clause 71.
  118. ↑ 118.0 118.1 Ontario Council of Regents. First Annual Report. 1975-76. (Archive.org, accessed Aug 27, 2025)
  119. ↑ 119.0 119.1 Walt McDayter. Past and Presence: A History of Humber College'. Humber College, 1981, pp. 32–34, 38, 53. (ISBN 978-0-919469-02-0) (Humber Archives, Reference: HC01 HCA-HCA, Box 17, Folder 3-HCA, Box 17, Folder 3 1/2, accessed Aug 29, 2025)
  120. ↑ "Florence Gell Re-elected as Vice-Chairman of Humber Board", Humber Happenings, Feb 1975, Vol. 1, No. 8, p. 3. (Humber Archives, accessed Aug 29, 2025)
  121. ↑ 121.0 121.1 "Board of Governors Elections", Humber Happenings. Summer 1976, Vol. 3, No. 2, p. 17. (Humber Archives, accessed Aug 27, 2025.)
  122. ↑ "College picks board chief", The Toronto Star (Etobicoke edition, "4 STAR ETO"), Mar 1, 1979, p. A4 (p. 27 online).
  123. ↑ Bill Thompson. "Accountability at Humber". Humber Dialogue. Mar 1983, Vol. 1, No. 1, p. 2. (Humber Archives, accessed Aug 27, 2025.)
  124. ↑ Humber College. Calendar 69/71. pp. 15–16. (Humber Archives, accessed Aug 27, 2025)
  125. ↑ Humber College. Calendar 71/73. p. 11. (Humber Archives, accessed Aug 27, 2025)
  126. ↑ Humber College. Education in Transition: Multi-Year Plan '76. p. 3. (Humber Archives, accessed Aug 27, 2025)
  127. ↑ 127.0 127.1 "Humber's 1979 Honor Roll of Special Award Winner", Humber Happenings. Christmas 1979. Vol. 6, № 2, pp. 10–11. (Humber Archives, accessed Aug 28, 2025)
  128. ↑ Humber College. Programme for 1982 Awards Night. Humber College Archives. Reference Code: HC01 RG-RG7-RG7.82. p. 15. (Accessed Dec 27, 2025.)
  129. ↑ 129.0 129.1 "Church offers day care facilities", Weston Times, Aug 21, 1969, p. 4. (Accessed Apr 15, 2025.)
  130. ↑ "Avenue of Boutiques a success", Weston-York Times, Nov 9, 1972, p. 5. (Accessed Apr 15, 2025.)
  131. ↑ 131.0 131.1 131.2 131.3 Ryan. 2024. pp. 11–12. (see § References)
  132. ↑ Journal of the Incorporated Synod of the Diocese of Toronto of the Anglican Church of Canada, 1969, p. 47; 1970, p. 48; 1971, p. 57.
  133. ↑ The Church of the Advent. 2005. (see § References)
  134. ↑ City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 211, Series 646, File 32, York Council Minutes, Committee of General Purposes, Jan 15, 1943, pp. 13 & 16.
  135. ↑ 135.0 135.1 Ryan. 2024. p. 13. (see § References)
  136. ↑ "Biographical Data, Re: Florence Gell", 1974, Archives of Ontario, RG32–44, B362334, File: Humber College – Board Composition.
  137. ↑ Gell. 2000. pp. 68 & 115. (see § References)
  138. ↑ "Fashion Show Presented by School Assoc.", Times & Guide (Weston), Mar 30, 1950, p. 3. (Accessed Apr 15, 2025.)
  139. ↑ "Jack and Jill Club Stage First Party", The Toronto Star, Feb 16, 1946, p. 20.
  140. ↑ "Suburban Topics in Brief: Seek Recreation Group", The Toronto Star, Jan 28, 1948, p. 4.
  141. ↑ City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 211, Series 646, File 37, York Council Minutes, Committee of General Purposes, Jan 28, 1948, p. 36.
  142. ↑ 142.0 142.1 "Penny Fair in York Township", Times and Guide (Weston), Aug 15, 1946, p. 4. (Accessed Sep 13, 2025.)
  143. ↑ 143.0 143.1 City of Toronto Archives, York Council Minutes, Fonds 211, Series 646, File 37, Committee of General Purpose (CGP), 1948, pp.72, 546; File 38, CGP, 1949, p. 54; File 40, CGP, 1951, p. 528; File 42, CGP, 1953, pp. 49, 128, 445–446.
  144. ↑ "I.O.D.E. Chapters Report on Activities of Year 1949", The Toronto Star, Mar 6, 1950, p. 23.
  145. ↑ "Calls Cumming Report Plan for Feeble-Minded", The Toronto Star, Feb 21, 1953, p. 16.
  146. ↑ "Province of Ontario - General Election 1963", Times & Guide (Weston), Sep 12, 1963, p. 6. (Accessed Apr 15, 2025.)
  147. ↑ "York told to act on day care centres", The Toronto Star, May 22, 1970, p. 33.
  148. ↑ "Church to continue fireworks display", Weston-York Times, Jun 3, 1971, p. 2. (Accessed Apr 21, 2025.)
  149. ↑ "Fireworks display at Smythe Park", Weston Times, May 16, 1968, p. 3. (Accessed Apr 21, 2025.)
  150. ↑ Margaret Aitken & Byrne Hope Sanders. Hey Ma! I Did It. Toronto: Clarke, Irwin & Company Ltd., 1953, pp. 119, 170 & 180. (Accessed May 3, 2025)
  151. ↑ | "York South PC's must make difficult decision", Weston-York Times, Feb 18, 1971, p. 1. (Accessed May 3, 2025.)
  152. ↑ "New bid for citizenship office ... Citizens Appointed", Weston Times, Jan 30, 1969, p. 5. (Accessed Apr 15, 2025.)
  153. ↑ "York to vote on hospitals", The Toronto Star, Nov 12, 1974, p. A8.
  154. ↑ "Appointments to Boards", Weston Mosaic, Jan 1980, p. 8. (Accessed Apr 15, 2025.)
  155. ↑ "Daffodil sale goes well", Coven, Apr 10, 1978, Vol. 8, No. 12, p. 8. (Humber Archives, accessed Aug 28, 2025)
  156. ↑ "United Appeal carries Load of Retarded Kids", Weston Times-Advertiser, Jul 4, 1963, p. 1. (Accessed Apr 15, 2025.)
  157. ↑ "Fund raising with a difference", Weston-York Times, Jul 27, 1972, p. 2. (Accessed Apr 15, 2025.)
  158. ↑ "Haney Centre", Toronto District School Board: Frank Oak Secondary School. (Accessed May 25, 2025.)
  159. ↑ Ryan. 2024. pp. 19–20. (see § References)
  160. ↑ 160.0 160.1 Ryan. 2024. pp. 23–24. (see § References)
  161. ↑ 161.0 161.1 "Age of Reason: ... Outstanding seniors honored by Ontario", The Toronto Star, Jun 8, 1989, p. L3.
  162. ↑ City of Toronto Archives, York Council Minutes, Fonds 211, Series 646, File 35, Committee of General Purposes (CGP), 1946, p. 76; File 36, CGP, 1947, pp. 183, 215–216; File 37, CGP, 1948, p. 2; File 38, CGP, 1949, pp. 2, 506; File 40, CGP, 1951, p. 46.
  163. ↑ City of Toronto Archives, York By-Laws № 12996, 13216, 13411, 13658, 13956, and 14216.
  164. ↑ "Citizens Protesting Recreation Council", The Toronto Star, Feb 4, 1947, p. 11.
  165. ↑ "Had to Shovel York Rinks for Children, Mothers Say", The Toronto Star, Feb 11, 1947, p. 5.
  166. ↑ City of Toronto Archives, York By-Laws № 13457 and 13955.
  167. ↑ 167.0 167.1 Anglican Diocese of Toronto, Constitution and Canons, 2023-2025, Canons 14 & 17.
  168. ↑ The Church of the Advent, "Advisory Board Report", Annual Vestry Report for 1967, Jan. 1968; Annual Report for 1968, Jan 1969; Annual Report for 1969, Jan 1970. Anglican Diocese of Toronto Archives, Accession 2016-09, Box 2.
  169. ↑ The Church of the Advent, "Annual Report of the Advisory Board", Annual Vestry Report for 1968, Jan 1969. Anglican Diocese of Toronto Archives, Accession 2016-09, Box 2.
  170. ↑ The Church of the Advent, Advisory Board Minutes, 1967, Nov.; 1968, Feb., Apr., Jun. Anglican Diocese of Toronto Archives, Accession 2016-09, Box 2.
  171. ↑ The Church of the Advent, Advent Bulletin, 1968, Sep., p. 6, Oct., p. 6, Nov., p. 4; 1970, Dec., p. 7; 1972, Sep., pp. 5–6. Anglican Diocese of Toronto Archives, Accession 2016-09, Box 4.
  172. ↑ "Jane Park and Mount Dennis", Weston-York Times, Nov 4, 1971, p. 7. (Accessed Dec 27, 2025.)
  173. ↑ "Avenue of Boutiques a success", Weston-York Times, Nov 9, 1972, p. 5. (Accessed Dec 27, 2025.)
  174. ↑ The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Executive Committee Minutes, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Oct 4, 1978. p. B372. (Accessed Oct 18, 2025.)
  175. ↑ The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Minutes, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Oct 12, 1978. p. A346. (Accessed Oct 18, 2025.)
  176. ↑ The Church of the Advent. 1978. (see § References)
  177. ↑ The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Executive Committee Minutes, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Oct 31, 1984. p. B474. (Accessed Oct 18, 2025.)
  178. ↑ City of York. 1984. (see § References)
  179. ↑ York By-Law № 15500 of Nov 5, 1956, available upon request from the City of Toronto Archives, archives@toronto.ca
  180. ↑ The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Executive Committee Minutes, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Apr 12, 1985. pp. B50–B51. (Accessed Oct 18, 2025.)
  181. ↑ The Church of the Advent. 2005.; Ryan. 2024. p. 23.

References

Online, open access

Online, limited access

Offline

  • Jonathan Michael Eayrs. (2010). At The Edge: 100 years of life at 'The Advent' 1911–2011. Toronto, Ontario: Church of the Advent, 2010. (ISBN 978-0-9867713-0-9)
  • The Church of the Advent. (2005). Florence Gell Memorial Bursary. Background: Mrs. Florence Gell 1906-2001, dated 08/06/2005. Anglican Diocese of Toronto Archives, Accession 2016–09, Box 8, File Florence Gell Memorial Scholarship Fund.
  • Carrie Brunet. (2001). "York politician Florence Gell was always a lady", The York Guardian, March 30, 2001, Vol. 5, No. 13, p. 3.
  • John Gell. (2000). "Mrs. Florence Gell: The First Lady of York" in Memories of Lambton Park. Toronto, Ontario: John Gell, August 2000, pp. 143–146. (ISBN 978-0-9687461-0-3)
  • City of York. (1984). Biography of Florence Gell of March 1984, and Letter of December 3, 1984, to Florence Gell regarding the Ontario Bicentennial Medal. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 211, City of York, Series 1620, File 2874, Ontario - bicentennial celebrations. (Obtained via Freedom of Information Request 2024–00129)
  • The Church of the Advent. (1978). "One of Our Members has been Honoured", Advent Bulletin, November 1978, Anglican Diocese of Toronto Archives, Accession 2016–09, Box 4. (Gell receives York's Citizen of the Decade award.)
  • City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 211, Series 646, York Council Minutes, and Committee of General Purposes Minutes. (Each annual volume of the Council Minutes begins with a list of its members for that year.)



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