Olivia Chow, MP

Jim Lemon: Olivia Honours Urbanist, Community Organizer

Olivia Chow Eulogizes University of Toronto Professor Jim Lemon in House of Commons

February 6, 2012

OTTAWA - Toronto recently lost a prominent urbanist, scholar and comunity organizer: Jim Lemon loved Toronto and is known for his intellect and his deep knowledge of the city’s urban history. As a professor, he was a highly respected scholar at the University of Toronto and a Guggenheim fellow. His bestselling book, Toronto Since 1918: An Illustrated History, brings the city to life. He chaired the Annex Residents Association and led the fight against the Spadina Expressway.

In addition to numerous articles, Jim Lemon wrote the award-winning book, The Best Poor Man’s Country and Liberal Dreams and Nature’s Limits: Great Cities of North America Since 1600. As a life-long New Democrat, Jim was a Toronto school trustee and a candidate for the NDP. Throughout his life, he strove to improve the livability and the health of his neighbourhood, his city and his country.

Professor Emeritus James Thomas Lemon passed away on January 31. We will miss his passion, his intellect and his commitment to social justice. I want to extend our sincere condolences to his wife of 53 years, Carolyn Miller Lemon and his children Margaret, Janet and Catherine.