Family, leaders mark boardwalk opening in memory of David Onley

Family, politicians and members of the community gathered in Toronto Saturday to mark the opening of Toronto Zoo's new boardwalk in memory of late accessibility champion and former lieutenant-governor, David C. Onley.

Located in the Rouge National Urban Park, the accessible boardwalk will "serve as a constant reminder to Zoo staff, volunteers and guests about the importance of ensuring accessibility for all," the zoo stated in a release.

"For 26 years the Toronto Zoo has been a part of our lives with many family visits," said Ruth Ann, Onley's wife. The couple raised their three sons in Scarborough and frequented the zoo throughout the years.

"On behalf of the entire Onley family, we are thrilled today to see David's life and legacy honoured in such a meaningful way."

Onley had disabilities stemming from a childhood bout with polio, and he used a motorized scooter. As Ontario's first lieutenant-governor with a physical disability, Onley spearheaded accessibility initiatives during his seven years in office. On Saturday, family, politicians and locals remembered Onley as an advocate and role model in his efforts, and a friendly face in the community.

"We hope this very small gesture of naming this beautiful trail will serve as a constant reminder of his many important contributions and the impact he had on so many people — an impact that will continue here for years to come," said zoo president Dolf DeJong said.

Before the boardwalk was built, the space was a concrete path that was steep and hard to navigate, DeJong said. Now, it's a paved walkway that people of all abilities should be able to use, and it won't be the last one they're building. He said another boardwalk will be opening between its Indo-Malaya pavilion and African rainforest pavilion.

DeJong said the boardwalks will help the zoo reach the mandatory standards outlined in the provincial Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), which has a deadline of 2025.

"This is us just getting started," he said.

Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie said Onley was a recognizable face within the Scarborough community and was 'always welcoming.' Ruth Ann, Onley's wife, said their family would visit the zoo often. (Alexis Raymon/CBC)

Onley remembered as loved local

Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie said Onley was also a recognizable face within the Scarborough community.

"He was always kind and he was always friendly and he was always welcoming," said McKelvie.

"We miss him dearly in the community."

Tracy MacCharles, former Pickering—Scarborough East.MPP who was at one point responsible for accessibility and women's issues in Ontario, said she remembers Onley as her adviser and family friend. She recalls helping to appoint Onley to conduct a review of the AODA.

"He didn't pull any punches. He was just great in his analysis of where we've made progress in this province and where [some gaps] still exist," she said.

Ann said Onley would be "overjoyed" to see companies and industries starting to understand the importance of accessibility.

"It's a wonderful thing. We're thrilled," she said.