Florence Gell

Florence Ellis Gell
Florence Gell, Deputy Reeve of the Township of York, seated at the wheel of the new LaFrance Aerial Ladder Truck delivered to the Township in 1960. (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 211, Series 1906, File 12)
Born
Florence Ellis Bailey

(1906-09-17)September 17, 1906
Lachute Mills, Quebec, Canada
Died(2001-03-20)March 20, 2001
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Occupation(s)Factory worker, stenographer, politician, Authority vice-chair & chair
Office
  • County Representative on School Board (1950),
  • School Trustee (1951–53), Chair of Board (1953),
  • Municipal Councillor (1954–58), Deputy Reeve (1958–66),
  • Conservation Authority Advisory Board –
    Vice-Chair (1957–67), Chair (1967–75),
  • Conservation Authority – Vice-Chair (1975–83), Chair (1983–84)
Political partyProgressive Conservative
Board member of
  • Humber College,
  • Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Foundation,
  • Northwestern General Hosp.,
  • Ontario Traffic Conference,
  • Osler School of Nursing,
  • Runnymede Hospital,
  • St. Hilda's Towers Fndn.,
  • St. Hilda's Towers Inc.,
  • York Township Housing Co.
SpouseGeorge William Gell
Children2
Awards§ Honours

Florence Ellis Gell (née Bailey, 1906–2001) was a prominent civic leader and a well-regarded municipal politician in the former City of York, Ontario, Canada. Gell was known to be a very active member of her community and was the first woman to serve in a number of public positions. She received local and provincial honours for her extensive public service, including York's Citizen of the Decade award.

Background

Florence Gell was born in 1906 to Annie Reed and George Arthur Bailey in Lachute Mills, Quebec. She moved with her family at a young age to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, where she lived until 1919. Gell was living independently of her parents and was in full-time employment in Toronto, Ontario, by late 1920. She married George William Gell in 1930 in Toronto before moving to York in 1932, where they had two sons, Robert (1937) and John (1940). George Gell served with the Royal Canadian Air Force and was killed in Germany in April 1945.[1][2]

Politics

Florence Gell was a role model and trailblazer for women in public life in the Township, later Borough (1967), then City (1983) of York.[3][4] While serving as a school trustee (1951–1953),[5] she was elected Chair of the York Board of Education (Jan 1953)[6][7] and then a member of York's Municipal Council (Dec 1953).[8][9] For the majority of her time on the Council, Gell served (first appointed, then elected) as a Deputy Reeve (1958–1966).[10][11] She was the first woman to hold each of the positions of York Board Chair, Municipal Councillor, and Deputy Reeve, as well as the only woman on the York Council during her thirteen-year tenure.[12]

Florence Gell inspired Gayle Christie to enter York politics. Gell was Christie's heroine. Christie followed in Gell's political footsteps and was elected Mayor of York (1978).[13][14] Gell was also an important inspiration to Frances Nunziata, who was also elected Mayor of York (1994).[15] Christie and Nunziata were the only women to be elected Mayor of York, which included holders of the equivalent position of Reeve on the old Township Council.[16][17]

Florence Gell on the Municipal Council of the Township of York, 1954
(City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 501, File 15)

Municipal Council of the Township of York

During her time (1954–1966) on the York Township Council, Florence Gell was involved in all of its functions: health & welfare, traffic, housing, parks & recreation, library services, finance, planning, etc. She took a hands-on approach to all aspects of her work. Gell commonly engaged in direct, personal consultations with her constituents. She kept a list of every person who phoned her with their concerns.[18][19][20][21][22]

Gell was a well-regarded representative and was re-elected by large margins (see Table below). In 1956, the Township Council established Florence Gell Park at the request of a group of her constituents, the Warren Park Ratepayers' Association.[23][24][25]

In her 1964 testimony before an Ontario Royal Commission, Florence Gell strongly supported a system of small civic departments organized by lower-tier municipalities within the greater Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto. She held that smaller municipal departments, under the supervision of local elected representatives, were more efficient and better able to meet local needs.[26]

During the 1960s, Florence Gell supported the Council's plans for the extensive construction of high-rise apartment buildings to increase the tax base ("assessment") in residential areas then comprising single-family dwellings. This position was contrary to strong popular opinion, including that of the Warren Park Ratepayers' Association.[27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34]

In September 1965, the Commissioner (head) of the York Parks and Recreation Department accused Gell of repeated interference in its operations, which significantly reduced its efficiency. Many people and community organizations publicly supported the Commissioner, who, along with several other employees, resigned in 1966 over the Gell matter and other administrative obstructions imposed by the York Council.[35][36][37][38]

The controversies surrounding the erection of numerous apartment buildings and the administration of the Parks and Recreation Department contributed to Florence Gell’s electoral defeat in December 1966 (see Table Notes). The Warren Park Ratepayers' Association had actively campaigned against her.[39][40]

Florence Gell's share of December election vote in Ward Three of the Township of York
(for a one- or two-year term starting the following January 1st)
Election 1953 1954 1955 1956 1958 1960 1962 1964
Gell's Share 57.8%† 81.3% 68.1%‡ 72.5% 74.4% 50.3%≡ 63.9% 64.9%
Candidates 3 2 3 2 2 2 2 2
Position Councillor∆ Deputy Reeve
(Source: City of Toronto Archives, York Council Minutes, Fonds 211, Series 646, Files 42–45, 47, 49, 51, & 53.
Official election results prefixed in each bound volume.)
Notes: † In Gell's first Council election, Charles Cashman, the incumbent Councillor, was elected to the position of Deputy Reeve for Ward Three.
‡ In 1955, voters approved a two-year term for subsequent elections.
∆ In May 1958, Gell was appointed Deputy Reeve by the Council to fill the vacancy created by Cashman's death.[41]
≡ Gell's relatively poor polling in 1960 was a result of the scandal (Mar 1959) surrounding the purchase by Reeve Chris Tonks of Township land and the subsequent provincial inquiry (May–Sep 1959) into the general land financial affairs of the Council, which were condemned in the Report of the inquiry (Apr 1960). These events led to a campaign by a Citizens' Committee to unseat all incumbents.[42][43][44][45][46][47][48]
Re: 1966 Election for the new Borough of York — Gell finished third with 17.9% in a field of five candidates for the two positions of Controller on the Council of the new Borough of York. The respective vote shares were 30.3%, 28.1%, 17.9%, 17.4%, and 6.4%. The Toronto Star reported that Gell was one of two York veterans that had been "swept under in the 'anti-vote' ".[49] The editor of the Weston Times described these two losses as "the greatest surprise" of the York election.[50]

Other public service

Florence Gell, President, Ontario Traffic Conference, April 1967.
(Ontario Traffic Council archives.)

Following Florence Gell’s departure from municipal politics in December 1966, she carried on with her public service in other roles. She continued her progression through the ranks to become President of the Ontario Traffic Conference ¶ (1967),[51] Chair of the Board of Governors of Humber College (1977),[7] and Chair of the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (1983).[52][53] Gell was the first woman to hold each of these positions.

Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority

During her time (1957-1984) at the Toronto Conservation Authority (established 1957), Florence Gell served on its Information and Education Advisory Board, first as Vice Chair (1957) and then as Chair (1967), prior to becoming the Vice Chair (1975) and then Chair (1983) of the entire Authority. The latter two positions made her an ex officio member of all advisory boards.[54]

Florence Gell played an important role in the establishment and promotion of the Authority's Conservation Schools (also called Field Centres) for children and youth to encourage the protection of the natural environment.[55][56][57][58][59] In December 1968, the first of these schools (opened in 1963 at Albion Hills) received the first White Owl Conservation Award for its work.[60][61]

Gell was also active in the development and promotion of the Authority's living history museum, The Village at Black Creek.[62][63][64] In May 1967, she was one of the two persons holding the rope that was ceremonially cut by Ontario Premier John Robarts at the official opening of The Village.[65] In 1985, the Authority established the Florence Gell Garden on the grounds of The Village in recognition of her "remarkable contribution to conservation".[66]

Community work

Florence Gell was active in all aspects of her community. At various times before, during, and after her political career, Gell's community and public positions included the following:

  • Vestry Clerk, Advisory Board officer, Toronto Synod lay delegate, and a principal fundraiser for The Church of the Advent (Anglican);[67][68][69][70][71]
  • Member of the Board of Governors of the Osler School of Nursing;[72]
  • Rationing Officer during World War II;[73]
  • Volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross Society;[74][75]
  • Member and President of the Lambton Park Home and School Association;[76]
  • Adult advisor to the youth-run Jack and Jill Club for Teenagers;[77]
  • Corresponding Secretary of the York Community Council;[78][79]
  • Chair, then Corresponding Secretary, of the York Advisory Recreation Committee;[80][81]
  • Member of the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire (Magna Charta Chapter);[82]
  • Director of the Toronto and District Urban School Trustees' Association;[83]
  • Returning Officer and Clerk for provincial elections;[84]
  • Advocate for the establishment of public daycare facilities for children;[67][85]
  • Chair of the Fireworks Committee for York's annual Victoria Day celebration;[86][87]
  • Active member and convention delegate of the local Progressive Conservative Association;[88][89]
  • Member of the York Safety Council;[90]
  • Member and spokesperson of the Committee Representing York Borough Hospitals;[91]
  • Senior volunteer at St. Hilda's Towers (affordable rental housing for seniors, which included assisted living services and recreational activities);[92]
  • Member of York's Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee.[93]

Florence Gell’s philanthropic activities included fundraising for the following organizations: Canadian Red Cross Society, Canadian Cancer Society, United Appeal for Metropolitan Toronto (United Way since 1973), and the private, not-for-profit York Township School for children with intellectual disabilities (now the public Haney Centre in the Toronto District School Board).[94][95][96][97][98]

Gell also served on the governing boards of Runnymede Hospital, Northwestern General Hospital, York Township Housing Company (Beech Hall Apartments for low-income seniors), St. Hilda’s Towers, and the foundations that supported St. Hilda’s and the Toronto Conservation Authority.[92][99][100]

For her extensive public service, Florence Gell was named York's first Citizen of the Decade in 1978 and awarded the Ontario Bicentennial Medal in 1984.[101]

Note: ¶ The Ontario Traffic Conference is now the Ontario Traffic Council.[102]

Honours

Ontario Bicentennial Medal
(Grey Roots Museum & Archives, Owen Sound, Ontario)

Florence Gell received a number of local and provincial honours for her public work. These recognitions included the following:

  • Honourary Life Member of the Ontario Traffic Conference (c. 1970);[103][104]
  • York’s first Citizen of the Decade award (1978);[105][106][107]
  • The Ontario Bicentennial Medal (1984).[108][109]

In addition, the following were so named in her honour:

  • Florence Gell Park (1956) in the Warren Park neighbourhood of York;[110]
  • The Florence Gell Award (1979) at Humber College;[111]
  • The Florence Gell Garden (1985) at The Village at Black Creek (Conservation Authority);[112]
  • Florence Gell Memorial Bursary (2005) at The Church of the Advent.[113]

Note: Contrary to some sources, Florence Gell was not named York's Citizen of the Year in 1981. That honour went to Nadia De Franco.[114][115]

Florence Gell Park in the Warren Park neighbourhood of the former City of York, now part of the City of Toronto, May 2025.

Citations

  1. ^ Gell. 2000. pp. 143–144.; Ryan. 2024. p. 7. (see references)
  2. ^ "Gell, George William, Service № J40435. Library and Archives Canada, Second World War Service Files – War Dead, 1939 to 1947, RG 24, Volume 27579". Library and Archives Canada. Nov 25, 2016. Retrieved April 16, 2025.
  3. ^ "The Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto Amendment Act, 1966" (Reprint). Statutes of Ontario, 1966, Chap. 96, sec. 14 (new Part VIII). May 18, 1966. pp. 470–471. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  4. ^ "Ontario Regulation 396/83" (Reprint). Ontario Gazette (Regulations). Jul 9, 1983. p. 3059 (939). Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  5. ^ Ryan. 2024. p. 16.
  6. ^ Photograph captioned "Mrs. Florence Gell ... first lady chairman of York twp. board of education ...", The Toronto Star, Jan 13, 1953, p. 7.
  7. ^ a b "Gell Appointed Board Chairman" (PDF), Humber Happenings, 3 (5): 6, Winter 1977, archived from the original on April 26, 2022
  8. ^ Photograph captioned "Mrs. Florence Gell ... First Woman Councillor in History of York Township", The Toronto Star, Dec 7, 1953, p. 14.
  9. ^ "Election Briefs" (Reprint). Times and Guide. Weston, Ont. Dec 10, 1953. Retrieved April 14, 2025.
  10. ^ "Florence Gell is Appointed Deputy Reeve" (Reprint). Times & Guide. Apr 17, 1958. p. 1. Retrieved May 10, 2025.
  11. ^ "How the Votes Went: Suburban Elections" & "Big Majority Returns Tonks as Reeve", The Toronto Star, Dec 2, 1958, p. 8.
  12. ^ City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 211, Series 646, York Council Minutes. (see references)
  13. ^ Ryan. 2024. p. 7. (see references)
  14. ^ William Burrill, "Wolves howled outside Gayle Christie's door", The Toronto Star, Apr 5, 1981, p. D10 (online 76).
  15. ^ Brunet. 2001. (see references)
  16. ^ "Mayor, Reeve & Chairman". City of Toronto. 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2025.
  17. ^ Boylen. 1954. pp. 117–124. (see references)
  18. ^ Ryan. 2024. pp. 9–10 (comments by Gell & McLean), 16, 21, 26–27. (see references)
  19. ^ “She Bans Press from ‘Backyard’ Sunday Meet”, The Toronto Star, Mar 23, 1959, p. 8.
  20. ^ "Council Vote 5–4: York Bid to Fire Planners Fails", The Toronto Star, Jan 17, 1961, p. 17.
  21. ^ Florence Gell. "Health and Welfare is Key to York’s Great Future". Weston Times, Nov 24, 1966, p. 25. (Accessed Aug 6, 2025)
  22. ^ Florence Gell, Testimony of June 4, 1964. Hearings of the Ontario Royal Commission on Metropolitan Toronto. Vol. 16, pp. 1583–1591. (Accessed Aug 6, 2025)
  23. ^ City of Toronto Archives, York Committee of General Purposes Minutes, Sep 4 & 24, 1956, Fonds 211, Series 669, File 4, pp. 453 & 485.
  24. ^ John Gell. 2000. p. 145. (see references)
  25. ^ Ryan. 2024. p. 23. (see references)
  26. ^ Florence Gell, Testimony of June 4, 1964. Hearings of the Ontario Royal Commission on Metropolitan Toronto. Vol. 16, pp. 1583–1591. (Accessed Aug 6, 2025)
  27. ^ Ryan. 2024. pp. 10, 30–41. (see references)
  28. ^ "New York Township Reeve Favors 'Posh' Apartments", The Toronto Star, Jan 3, 1962, p. 19.
  29. ^ "Committee Approves Rezoning of Ravine on Expressway Route", The Globe and Mail, Mar 27, 1962, p. 5.
  30. ^ "'Apartment City' York Township Hope", The Toronto Star, Jan 8, 1963, p. 21.
  31. ^ "Petition asks for probe into sale of York land", The Globe and Mail, Nov 26, 1966, p. 5. (re: apartment development agreement negotiated by Reeve Jack Mould & Deputy Reeve Florence Gell in 1963)
  32. ^ "York apartment would crowd us -- city", The Toronto Star, May 13, 1964, p. 14.
  33. ^ "York's apartment jungle", The Toronto Star, Sep 15, 1964, p. 6.
  34. ^ Bob Hewitt. "Don't Let Them Kid You : Apartments Do Hike Taxes". Weston Times. Dec 1, 1966, p. 31. (Accessed Aug 13, 2025)
  35. ^ Ryan. 2024. pp. 30–41. (see references)
  36. ^ "York parks chief resigns, charges patronage", The Toronto Star, Mar 29, 1966, p. 17.
  37. ^ "Parks resignations OK", The Toronto Star, Apr 19, 1966, p. 29.
  38. ^ City of Toronto Archives, York Council Minutes, Apr 18, 1966, Fonds 211, Series 646, File 55, pp. 87 & 91; York Committee of General Purposes Minutes, Apr 18, 1966, Fonds 211, Series 669, File 24, pp. 260, 277, & Apr 25, pp. 306–307.
  39. ^ Ryan. 2024. pp. 30–41. (see references)
  40. ^ "A New Metro, 6 New Councils: ... York", The Toronto Star, Dec 3, 1966, p. 7.
  41. ^ "Mrs. Florence Gell Named Deputy Reeve", The Toronto Star, May 6, 1958, p. 10.
  42. ^ Pierre Berton, "Still More Questions on Sales of Real Estate in York Township", The Toronto Star, Mar 13, 1959, p. 31.
  43. ^ "Real Issue of Tonks Case: Shocking Disregard of Law", The Toronto Star, Mar 14, 1959, p. 1.
  44. ^ "Seller Friend, Tonks; Friend Say 'No'", The Toronto Star, Mar 18, 1959, pp. 1 & 9.
  45. ^ "The Reeve Who Bought Land 'He Couldn't Buy'", The Toronto Star, May 14, 1960, p. 11.
  46. ^ "'Clean Up Own House": York Group Wants Complete Change", The Toronto Star, Dec 2, 1960, p. 21.
  47. ^ "Taylor Sees Victory as Answer to Tonks", The Toronto Star, Dec 6, 1960, pp. 1 & 8.
  48. ^ Ontario. Inquiry into certain financial affairs of the Corporation of the Township of York related to sub-divisions of land, zoning by-laws and the sales of municipal lands owned by the said corporation of the said Township of York .... April 1960. (Accessed Aug 9, 2025)
  49. ^ "Mayor Jack Mould: His first task ...", The Toronto Star (All Star Night edition), Dec 6, 1966, p. 13.
  50. ^ "Election Comment" (Reprint). Weston Times. Dec 8, 1966. p. 2. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
  51. ^ "Mrs. Gell is First Lady Head Of Ontario Traffic Conference" (Reprint). Weston Times. Principal Publishing Ltd. May 4, 1967. p. 1. Retrieved April 14, 2025.
  52. ^ "The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Minutes". Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Feb 11, 1983. Retrieved April 14, 2025.
  53. ^ "Florence Gell Still Moving Upwards" (PDF), Humber Dialogue, 1 (1): 6, Mar 1983, archived from the original on April 26, 2022
  54. ^ Ryan. 2024. p. 17. (see references)
  55. ^ The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Minutes. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 1958. pp. 302–303, 527, 546–548, 551. (Accessed Aug 15, 2025)
  56. ^ "Kids love conservation school says Florence Gell" (Reprint). Weston Times. Dec 12, 1968. p. 3. Retrieved April 22, 2025.
  57. ^ "Conservation Seminar Held at Woodbridge" (Reprint). The Liberal (Richmond Hill). Dec 12, 1968. p. 6. Retrieved April 22, 2025.
  58. ^ "Claremont Conservation Area: New field training centre officially opens March 31" (Reprint). The Tribune (Stouffville). Mar 26, 1970. p. 15. Retrieved April 22, 2025.
  59. ^ Ryan. 2024. pp. 9–10, 17 & 29.; McLean. 2004. pp. 18, 151–161. (see references)
  60. ^ "First winner of conservation prize" (Reprint). Weston Times. Dec 27, 1968. p. 5. Retrieved April 22, 2025.
  61. ^ "Photograph captioned: "A year-end gift for conservation ..."" (Reprint). Weston Times. Jan 3, 1969. p. 1. Retrieved April 22, 2025.
  62. ^ McLean. 2004. p. 18. (see references)
  63. ^ John Gell. 2000. p. 146. (see references)
  64. ^ Ryan. 2024. pp. 7 & 9. (see references)
  65. ^ "Robarts Swings into the Past", The Toronto Star (Three Star Night edition), May 27, 1967, p. 3; "Premier's Broadaxe Sets off Fireworks at Pioneer Village", The Globe and Mail, May 27, 1967, p. 11.
  66. ^ The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Minutes. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Feb 21, 1986. p. 3. (Accessed Aug 14, 2025)
  67. ^ a b "Church offers day care facilities" (Reprint). Weston Times. Aug 21, 1969. p. 4. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
  68. ^ "Avenue of Boutiques a success" (Reprint). Weston-York Times. Nov 9, 1972. p. 5. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
  69. ^ Ryan. 2024. pp. 11–12. (see references)
  70. ^ Journal of the Incorporated Synod of the Diocese of Toronto of the Anglican Church of Canada, 1969, p. 47; 1970, p. 48; 1971, p. 57.
  71. ^ The Church of the Advent. 2005. (see references)
  72. ^ "Fairbank Focus: Happy birthday to Bill" (Reprint). Weston-York Times. Apr 13, 1972. p. 5. Retrieved April 16, 2025.
  73. ^ City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 211, Series 646, File 32, York Council Minutes, Committee of General Purposes, Jan 15, 1943, pp. 13 & 16.
  74. ^ "Biographical Data, Re: Florence Gell", 1974, Archives of Ontario, RG32–44, B362334, File: Humber College – Board Composition.
  75. ^ Gell. 2000. pp. 68 & 115.
  76. ^ "Fashion Show Presented by School Assoc" (Reprint). Times & Guide. Mar 30, 1950. p. 3. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
  77. ^ "Jack and Jill Club Stage First Party", The Toronto Star, Feb 16, 1946, p. 20.
  78. ^ "Suburban Topics in Brief: Seek Recreation Group", The Toronto Star, Jan 28, 1948, p. 4.
  79. ^ City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 211, Series 646, File 37, York Council Minutes, Committee of General Purposes, Jan 28, 1948, p. 36.
  80. ^ "Penny Fair in York Township" (Reprint). Times & Guide. Aug 15, 1946. p. 4. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
  81. ^ City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 211, Series 646, File 41, York Council Minutes, Committee of General Purposes, Jan 28, 1952, pp. 55—56; Mar 10, 1952, pp. 133—134.
  82. ^ "I.O.D.E. Chapters Report on Activities of Year 1949", The Toronto Star, Mar 6, 1950, p. 23.
  83. ^ "Calls Cumming Report Plan for Feeble-Minded", The Toronto Star, Feb 21, 1953, p. 16.
  84. ^ "Province of Ontario - General Election 1963" (Reprint). Times & Guide. Sep 12, 1963. p. 6. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
  85. ^ "York told to act on day care centres", The Toronto Star, May 22, 1970, p. 33.
  86. ^ "Church to continue fireworks display" (Reprint). Weston-York Times. June 3, 1971. p. 2. Retrieved April 21, 2025.
  87. ^ "Fireworks display at Smythe Park" (Reprint). Weston Times. May 16, 1968. p. 3. Retrieved April 21, 2025.
  88. ^ Margaret Aitken & Byrne Hope Sanders. Hey Ma! I Did It. Toronto: Clarke, Irwin & Company Ltd., 1953, pp. 119, 170 & 180. (Accessed May 3, 2025)
  89. ^ "York South PC's must make difficult decision" (Reprint). Weston-York Times. Feb 18, 1971. p. 1. Retrieved May 3, 2025.
  90. ^ "New bid for citizenship office ... Citizens Appointed" (Reprint). Weston Times. January 30, 1969. p. 5. Retrieved Apr 15, 2025.
  91. ^ "York to vote on hospitals", The Toronto Star, Nov 12, 1974, p. A8.
  92. ^ a b Ontario Corporation № 696540, St. Hilda's Towers Foundation, Application for Incorporation, Dec 31, 1986. Available through the Ontario Business Registry in the corporation's "Archive Document Package", https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-business-registry
  93. ^ "Appointments to Boards" (Reprint). Weston Mosaic. Jan 1980. p. 8. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
  94. ^ "Daffodil sale goes well" (PDF), Coven, 8 (12): 8, Apr 10, 1978, archived from the original on May 30, 2023
  95. ^ "United Appeal carries Load of Retarded Kids" (Reprint). Weston Times-Avertiser. Jul 4, 1963. p. 1. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
  96. ^ "Fund raising with a difference" (Reprint). Weston-York Times. Jul 27, 1972. p. 2. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
  97. ^ "Haney Centre". Toronto District School Board: Frank Oak Secondary School. 2025. Retrieved May 25, 2025.
  98. ^ Ryan. 2024. pp. 19–20. (see references)
  99. ^ Humber College. 1977. p. 6. (see references)
  100. ^ "Official Recognitions" (PDF). Minutes of the Council of the City of Toronto. Apr 23 – May 2, 2001. pp. 302–303. Retrieved April 16, 2025.
  101. ^ Ryan. 2024. pp. 23––24.
  102. ^ "Organization – Ontario Traffic Council". Ontario Traffic Council. 2025. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
  103. ^ "OTC Life Members". Ontario Traffic Council. Oct 8, 2013. Retrieved May 3, 2025.
  104. ^ Ryan. 2024. p. 47. (see references); Sandra Grilo, Manager, Ontario Traffic Council
  105. ^ "The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Executive Committee Minutes". Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Oct 4, 1978. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
  106. ^ "The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Minutes". Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Oct 12, 1978. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  107. ^ The Church of the Advent. 1978. (see references)
  108. ^ "The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Executive Committee Minutes". Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Oct 31, 1984. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
  109. ^ City of York. 1984. (see references)
  110. ^ York By-Law № 15500 of Nov 5, 1956, available upon request from the City of Toronto Archives, archives@toronto.ca
  111. ^ "Humber's 1979 Honor Roll of Special Award Winners" (PDF), Humber Happenings, 6 (2): 9–10, Christmas 1979, archived from the original on April 26, 2022
  112. ^ "The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Executive Committee Minutes". Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Apr 12, 1985. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
  113. ^ The Church of the Advent. 2005.; Ryan. 2024. p. 23. (see references)
  114. ^ "Civics Awards Night" (Reprint). Weston Mosaic. Nov 1981. p. 1. Retrieved April 16, 2025.
  115. ^ ""Tammy" Nadia De Franco" (Reprint). The York News. May 1980. p. 1. Retrieved April 18, 2025.

References

Online, open access

Online, limited access

Offline

  • The Church of the Advent. (2005). Florence Gell Memorial Bursary. Background: Mrs. Florence Gell 1906-2001, dated 08/06/2005. Anglican Diocese of Toronto Archives, Accession 2016-09, Box 8, File Florence Gell Memorial Scholarship Fund.
  • Carrie Brunet. (2001). "York politician Florence Gell was always a lady", The York Guardian, March 30, 2001, Vol. 5, № 13, p. 3.
  • John Gell. (2000). "Mrs. Florence Gell: The First Lady of York" in Memories of Lambton Park. Toronto, Ontario: John Gell, August 2000, pp. 143–146. (ISBN 0-9687461-0-1)
  • City of York. (1984). Biography of Florence Gell of March 1984, and Letter of December 3, 1984, to Florence Gell regarding the Ontario Bicentennial Medal. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 211, City of York, Series 1620, File 2874, Ontario - bicentennial celebrations. (Obtained via Freedom of Information Request 2024-00129)
  • The Church of the Advent. (1978). "One of Our Members has been Honoured", Advent Bulletin, November 1978, Anglican Diocese of Toronto Archives, Accession 2016-09, Box 4. (Gell receives York's Citizen of the Decade award.)
  • City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 211, Series 646, York Council Minutes, and Committee of General Purposes Minutes. (Each annual volume of the Council Minutes begins with a list of its members for that year.)
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