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BRAMPTON — The Ontario government is committing up to $150,000 to the City of Brampton to support a memorial honouring the legacy of the late William G. Davis, Ontario’s 18th Premier.

The announcement was made in Brampton by Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, where she was joined by His Worship Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton, and members of the Davis family.

“Today marks the 51st anniversary of Bill Davis first being elected as Premier of Ontario,” said Minister MacLeod. “During his long career in politics, Premier Davis made a remarkable and lasting impact on the province and on the lives of Ontarians. Our government is proud to be investing in a memorial to pay tribute to one of Ontario’s most influential and beloved leaders.”

A professional artist will be commissioned to create a memorial honouring Premier Davis. The City of Brampton intends to unveil the new memorial, located in Brampton’s Gage Park later this year.

“Thank you to the provincial government for supporting the City of Brampton in bringing this project to life,” said Mayor Brown. “Bill Davis’ work has left a lasting legacy across the province and country, as a premier who contributed to the patriation of the Constitution and Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms, post-secondary education, the environment and so much more. He was Brampton’s proudest supporter, and this memorial will ensure that his legacy is preserved for decades to come.”

William G. Davis passed away on August 8, 2021, at the age of 92. Premier Davis had a lengthy career in public service, leading the province from 1971 to 1985. During his tenure as Premier of Ontario and as a long-serving Minister of Education, Premier Davis is credited with creating several new universities and Ontario’s community college system, the province’s first ministry of environment, and the province’s public broadcaster, TVOntario.

“We want to extend our gratitude to the provincial government and City of Brampton for their commitment to honouring the beloved patriarch of our family with this memorial project,” said members of the Davis family. “He was a proud Bramptonian, whose passion for this city and province is far-reaching and long-lasting.”

Quick Facts

Quotes

“The fingerprints of Premier Davis’ leadership and vision can be found throughout Ontario, and I couldn’t be prouder that Brampton will be the home of this fitting tribute to one of our great premiers. By making investments in our post secondary institutions, and by being a good steward of Ontario’s environment, Premier Davis changed the face of our province, and built a strong foundation that Ontario has been building upon ever since.”

– Prabmeet Sarkaria
MPP for Brampton South

“During his 14 years as premier, William G. Davis made an everlasting impact on our great province through progressive polices by creating the first ministry of the environment, appointing the first female cabinet minister in the history of Ontario, and serving the people of Ontario with dignity and class. Premier Davis will be remembered for the kindness and decency with which he carried himself every day.”

– Amarjot Sandhu
MPP for Brampton West

“Bill Davis was a talented statesman who set aside party politics to put the needs of the people first. As Ontario’s second-longest serving premier, his accomplishments were numerous, significant, and have withstood the test of time.”

– Charmaine Williams
City Councillor, City of Brampton

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