The Museum of Toronto’s latest exhibit, Toronto Gone Wild, has an interesting reference to Alan Redway, former East York Mayor and Leaside resident. Extended to November 2nd, due to popular demand, the exhibit devotes a section to the story of raccoons in the city, and even held a memorial event on July 9 for one such creature, named Conrad, who achieved local notoriety a decade ago.
In 1976, the Borough of East York voted to destroy any raccoon trapped by homeowners, regardless of the animal’s behaviour or health. But not everyone supported the decision. When Howard Chandler – the councillor responsible for the motion – ran for mayor, he was defeated by Alan Redway, who promised to leave the beloved trash bandits alone. Redway prevailed, and Toronto also abandoned similar plans for a raccoon round-up.
