The Honourable William (“Bill”) Grenville Davis passed away on August 8, 2021, at his home in Brampton, surrounded by members of his family at the age of 92.
Mr. Davis will be remembered by many as the 18th Premier of Ontario who served for 14 years, from 1971 to 1985. Prior to this, Mr. Davis served as a Member of Provincial Parliament for the Riding of Peel, from 1959 to 1967, and the Riding of Peel North, from 1967 to 1975.
Under his leadership, Mr. Davis established Ontario’s College System, the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education and four new universities in our province: York, Laurentian, Brock and Trent. He also created the TVOntario Network and was steadfast in a commitment to save the French School Board System, and extend public funding for the Catholic School Board System to the end of high school.
Mr. Davis, affectionately known as Brampton Bill, was our most beloved resident in Brampton, Ontario’s most successful Premier and the definition of decency. His legacy is one of profound accomplishment and he will be missed greatly.
Key to the City of Brampton
In 2019, Mr. Davis was awarded the Key to the City of Brampton. View the congratulatory messages
here.
The congratulatory messages
The Key to the City is a symbolic honour that a municipality bestows upon a highly valued member of the community or a celebrated or dignified guest of the City of Brampton who has made an impact on the lives of the residents of the city. It is the City of Brampton’s most prestigious award and is presented at the discretion of the Mayor.
City Proclaims July 30 as Bill Davis Day
In celebration of Mr. Davis, the City proclaims July 30 as Bill Davis Day (coinciding with his birthday). This annual observance offers an opportunity for the community to remember and celebrate the significant contributions of Mr. Davis to Brampton, Peel Region and the Province of Ontario. On this day, the City Hall Clock Tower will also be lit blue to commemorate the day.
Public Art Memorial: Contours of Connection, 2025
The City commissioned a memorial artwork dedicated to his legacy, which was installed in the summer of 2025, at the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA), located near Brampton City Hall and Gage Park. Learn more about the monument here.
Learn more about the legacy of Bill Davis with TVO's
A Tribute to Bill Davis.
