Helen Hayward is one energetic woman. She gardens, practises yoga and tai chi, and golfs regularly. A walk often is a huge loop through Sunnybrook, Serena Gundy and Wilket Creek parks. A Bayview shopping trip does not usually involve a car. Helen walks…everywhere.
Born in Hong Kong, she was sent to Canada for university by her parents. Her first degree was an Honours BA from McMaster University in geography, followed by a Master of Arts in a joint program in environmental studies/transportation planning from York University and the University of Toronto. With that educational background, it may seem unusual that she found her career strength in administration and governance.
For about 20 years until 2001, she worked with the Ontario Government Public Service in a variety of leadership roles in many ministries, ending as CEO of the Ontario Municipal Board as well as the Ontario Property Assessment Board.
Helen met her husband, JP Hayward, at work. A born and bred Torontonian, JP found it a stretch to consider living as far north as Eglinton Avenue. The Haywards’ first house was on Donegall, then in 1981 they bought 34 Parkhurst Blvd. – a Brockington-built house lived in by the Brockington family. Their two boys grew up there and attended Bessborough. One of the first things they did with the Tudor-style house was highlight the timbers in red. Then, over the years, they increased the garden space in front of their house. Helen was proud of being a Leaside Garden Club Garden of Distinction winner in 2014.
A passionate volunteer
“(Volunteering) is a core value, a way to give back to the community and the country.” And she certainly does give back.
Bessborough Drive Elementary and Middle School was where Helen first started her impressive volunteer career – first with the Bessborough School Council. At the Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care she served as a member of the Yee Hong foundation board and ended her term as chair of the board of governors. At what was then Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology, she also ended as chair of the board of governors.
In the hospital sector, she has been chair of the governance committee at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and vice chair and chair of the strategic planning committee with the Ontario Hospital Association. For something completely different, she was a Canadian board member for World Education Services and chair of their governance committee. (WES validates educational credentials for people with credentials from countries other than Canada and the U.S.)
Those terms are now completed, but that hasn’t stopped this dynamo. She’s joined the board of Holland Bloorview Kids’ Rehabilitation Hospital and is vice chair and chair of their governance committee. Of her days in management, she said that “it was time to try something new and different, to learn and grow – and to jump off the cliff.”
Along with her various noteworthy board positions, she worked as a consultant under the umbrella of Western Management Consultants. Helen had already decided to retire when the pandemic hit in 2020. She is now a partner emeritus. While with WMC, she helped advise businesses on ways to solve problems. She describes it as “an advisory and enabling role where you build long-term relationships with a particular company as they face different challenges.”
The move to a townhouse in Kilgour Estates was well planned. Helen and JP wanted to stay in the neighbourhood, with a bit of space to garden, but without all the additional work of a house. It took them five years from when they first started looking to their move in 2021. They also did their best to choose owners for their Parkhurst house who would appreciate its unique charm.
For her significant contributions Helen received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Volunteer Award. Well-deserved!
