William Allen (Canadian Politician) - Politics

Politics

In 1950, William Allen entered municipal politics, with his election as an alderman on Toronto city council representing Riverdale in Ward 1. He subsequently was elected by the City of Toronto to become the youngest Controller in Toronto history. He was a member of the first Metropolitan Toronto Council in 1952. Undefeated in civic elections, he remained in municipal office until 1962 when, upon retirement of Fred Gardiner, Allen defeated the Mayor of North York, Norman Goodhead, to become the second Chairman of Metropolitan Toronto. At the time, many felt Allen's Catholicism would serve as a roadblock in the election.

Allen continued to build the infrastructure that began with his predecessor, Metro's first Chairman, Fred Gardiner (namesake of the Gardiner Expressway). Most notably, the Bloor-Danforth and University subway lines opened during Allen's tenure. Furthermore, Allen also initiated many social programs that included welfare assistance and old age homes. Allen cited the latter initiative as one of his proudest achievements. Metro's fourth chair, Paul V. Godfrey, told reporters after Allen's death 25 years later that he gave Metro its "human touch". (Toronto Star, October 1/85)

Allen retired from the post in 1969. After leaving politics, he served as President and CEO to several corporations and sat on the Board of Directors for Molson, Air Canada, York University, the Toronto Stock Exchange, and others. Allen continued to practice law before being appointed President of the Canadian National Exhibition from 1979 to 1980.

During his political career, Allen served on all City Council and Metropolitan Council Standing Committees. He also held positions with a number of external bodies. He was President of the Ontario Municipal Association, Honorary President of the Convention and Tourist Bureau of Metropolitan Toronto, and Honorary Vice-President of Boy Scouts of Canada.

Allen maintained similar policies set out by his predecessor Fred Gardiner. Toronto was going through a period of change and he did little to impede this process. He did preside over the expansion of the subway network and continued with the expressway building program.