Mel Lastman, former mayor of Toronto, dead at 88

Mel Lastman, a former mayor of Toronto, has died.

Lastman was 88, and most notably served as the first mayor of a newly amalgamated Toronto from 1998 to 2003. He also served as the mayor of North York from 1973 to 1997.

His son, Blayne Lastman, confirmed his death.

In a statement Toronto Mayor John Tory extended his condolences to Lastman’s family and friends.

0:53 Mel Lastman, former mayor of Toronto, dead at 88

“He was so committed to the city and worked throughout his time in office to make sure Toronto moved forward as one united city and into the 21st century,” read the statement.

“As we mourn his passing, I want to thank Mel Lastman again for his service to North York and to the entire City of Toronto. He will be so missed by those who knew and loved him. May his memory be a blessing.”

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Tory said he asked for all official flagpoles at Toronto City Hall and other city buildings to be lowered to half-mast in honour of Lastman.

Prior to entering politics, Lastman opened the first Bad Boy furniture store in Scarborough, Ont.

His wife, Marilyn, had died in January of 2020 after a short fight with illness.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford tweeted his condolences Saturday night after learning of Lastman’s death.

“He was a great Mayor and he touched many lives. Mel, you will truly be missed. My thoughts are with the Lastman family at this difficult time,” read Ford’s tweet.

A funeral under his name has been set at Benjamin’s Park Memorial Chapel on Dec. 13 at 10 a.m.