Good morning friend,
While preparing to facilitate the #ExperienceTO: West Bend Historical Tour on September 6th, in collaboration with two local community leaders, I came across the story of William Alexander Baird after whom our starting point (Baird Park) is named.
Research into his life suggests that he had a quiet demeanor, yet he accomplished much both professionally and had a positive impact in his community. Born in 1867 in the Hamilton area, he graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1890, received a Bachelor of Civil Law from Trinity College in 1901, and located to what we now refer to as the West Bend neighbourhood, where he worked mostly in property law. Mr. Baird married Annie M. Gilbert in 1896; they did not have any children.
William A. Baird successfully ran for mayor of Toronto Junction in 1907, a position in which he was re-elected the following year. He was instrumental in getting the town incorporated as the City of West Toronto in 1908, and was still mayor when the town was annexed by the City of Toronto in 1909, making him the only mayor the City of West Toronto ever had. Following amalgamation with the City of Toronto in 1909, Mr. Baird was elected as alderman for the area, a position he held until 1912. He remained involved in local politics, and in 1926 he was elected to the Ontario Legislation as the MPP for Toronto High Park. Mr. Baird was re-elected three times before he died in 1940.
A few thoughts on his impact on the city's community spaces:
William A. Baird was instrumental in establishing parks in the city, including a park at Keele and Humberside streets that was initially named West Toronto Park (and was later renamed in his honour 12 years after he stepped down as alterman), Beresford Park, a parkette on Gilmour Avenue and many more. He was a founding member of the West Toronto Lawn Bowling Club, which remains active today.
Civic-minded leadership can resonate for generations.
Inspired by Mr. Baird's life, here are three ways in which we can engage in civic stewardship:
✅ 1. Engage in local beautification initiatives
Whether we get involved with planting trees, maintaining parks, or organizing a clean-up, contributing to local green spaces builds community and supports our well-being. You may want to check out the Railside Garden in the West Bend neighbourhood and/or Don't Mess with the Don's community stewardship events.
✅ 2. Support or establish a community group
As William A. Baird co-founded a lawn bowling club, you could create or help existing neighbourhood organizations (whether a neighbourhood association like the West Bend Community Association, a sports group, a cultural club, or a volunteer circle) that bring people together.
✅ 3. Participate in local governance or advocacy
You may be inspired to attend city council meetings, neighborhood associations, or volunteer in local politics. Civic engagement, even on a small scale, shapes the future of your community.
William A. Baird’s legacy reminds us that local leaders who pour themselves into public service and community-building leave impacts that endure. His parks still anchor neighborhoods and the club he was involved in co-founding still brings people together, long after he’s no longer with us. We also can take small, community-minded actions of our own.
Thank you for taking the time to read this week's e-newsletter. If there's a life lesson you'd like me to cover next, let me know.
All the best!
Alex Rășcanu
P.S. If this resonated, hit reply and let me know. I read every message. Also, if you'd like to catch up over coffee in Toronto, let me know some dates and times that work for you. Or come for one of the upcoming #ExperienceTO historical tours.
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