Donald R. Russell
Donald R. Russell was a pharmacist and politician in the municipality (Town of) New Toronto, Ontario and served as the community's last mayor prior to its amalgamation into Etobicoke in 1967.[1]
In 1933, Don Russell opened a drug store on what is now Lake Shore Boulevard West at Sixth Street in New Toronto and, for a time, operated a second pharmacy in the village of Islington on Dundas Street. He was an active member of the Lion's Club, the Shriners and other organizations including the New Toronto Library Board. He became active in municipal politics and served as the a school trustee on the New Toronto Board of Education for eight years and was the first chairman of the Lakeshore Board of Education.[1] He was first elected to town council in 1954[2] and became mayor the next year. He served as mayor until 1967 when, due to the reorganization of Metropolitan Toronto, several smaller municipalities including New Toronto were amalgamated into their larger neighbours with New Toronto being merged along with Long Branch, Mimico and Etobicoke Township into the new borough of Etobicoke and he topped the polls for election to Etobicoke's Board of Control in 1967. As Mayor and then Controller he also served on Metropolitan Toronto Council.[1]
Donald R. Russell Memorial Park, formerly New Toronto Park, on Birmingham Street is named after him.[1]