I’m saddened by the passing of former Richmond Hill Regional Councillor Lois Hancey on May 2, 2021.

Lois Hancey was first elected Ward Councillor in 1964, serving until 1978. She returned to Council as Regional Councillor from 1981 to 1991 and also served more than two decades on the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. She is our longest serving female Councillor at 26 years.

Lois was instrumental in obtaining funding from other levels of government in advance of Canada’s 1967 Centennial year to build Centennial Pool, which opened in 1965. To honour that legacy as well as the water safety work she did in the community prior to her election, Richmond Hill’s Wave Pool is named the Lois Hancey Aquatic Centre.

She was also honoured at a 2014 International Women’s Day event in Richmond Hill for her contributions to the community and for blazing a trail for women in politics. A tribute video, Lois Hancey: A Stubborn Politician was aired at the event.

Richmond Hill is lucky to have had such a persistent, hard-working and spirited individual move to town in 1958 and go on to make her mark on the community, changing it for the better. 

On behalf of Council and the city, our deepest condolences to her family and friends. Flags at all City of Richmond Hill facilities are at half-mast in her honour. Online tributes may be made at www.marshallfuneralhome.com.

Joe DiPaola
Acting Mayor, Richmond Hill

MEDIA CONTACT
Libbi Hood, Communications Advisor, libbi.hood@richmondhill.ca