Lorna Jackson
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Lorna Jackson | |
|---|---|
| 1st Mayor of Vaughan | |
| In office 1983–2002 | |
| Succeeded by | Michael Di Biase |
| Vaughan Regional Councillor
Acting Mayor | |
| In office 1981–1982 | |
| Preceded by | Garnet Williams |
| Succeeded by | Michael DiBiase |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 27, 1935 |
| Died | April 5, 2002 (aged 66) |
| Occupation | Local Politician |
Lorna Jackson (October 25, 1935 – April 5, 2002) was a local politician in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada (adjacent to Toronto), for 28 years. During her career, she served as both a local and a regional councillor, as well as serving as the Mayor of Vaughan for 20 years. She died while in office in 2002.
Jackson was first elected as a councillor in 1974. She served six years until she was elected as a regional councillor in 1980. In 1982, Jackson was elected as the Town of Vaughan's second mayor.[1] Jackson led the city council and staff through much rapid growth, as well as the transition from a town into a city in 1991.[2] She continued to be re-elected as mayor for a total of seven terms until her death in 2002.[3]
In addition to her responsibilities as a member on the city council for Vaughan, Jackson also served on York Regional Council for 22 years.[4] She was a member of its health, finance, planning and economic development committees. Additionally, Jackson was a member of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, a former chair of the York Regional Police Services Board, served on the Greater Toronto Services Board, and a member of the board of directors of Hydro Vaughan Distribution Inc.[5]
Campaigns and causes
Jackson successfully led the lobby to have the Ontario Minor Hockey Association make face protection for children mandatory in recreational hockey. She supported the construction of a pedestrian bridge over the Humber River. She also was instrumental in promoting the design of the Woodbridge Pool to make it easier for physically challenged residents to learn how to swim.
In 1988, she campaigned for an extension of the Toronto Transit Commission's Spadina Subway line north from Metropolitan Toronto into Vaughan to the then-future Highway 407 corridor.[6]
In her final years as mayor, Jackson sought to adjust the boundaries of the southern municipalities of York Region so that Markham's half of the community of Thornhill would be annexed into the City of Vaughan.
As a result of a lawsuit filed against the City of Toronto government for the Keele Valley Landfill, Jackson lead city council to close the site by the end of 2002.[7] Stating in 2000 that Vaughan was "no longer willing to host", the landfill was closed on January 1, 2003 and filled with four feet of clay and topsoil.[8][9]