Item - 2026.TE33.75

The Toronto and East York Community Council:

1.  Directed the Director, Engineering Support Services, Engineering and Construction Services and the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to report to the July 8 and 9, 2026 meeting of the Toronto and East York Community Council with recommendations to name the existing public lane located north of Eastern Avenue, between Berkshire Avenue and Rushbrooke Avenue as Valerie Mah Lane.

Valerie Mah was the first Chinese vice-principal at the Toronto Board of Education and then the long-time principal at Bruce Public School. She was so very dedicated to her students and their families that she developed a full kitchen, as she strongly believed children needed a full stomach to be good learners.

She was a longtime member of TEOF (Toronto Education Opportunity Fund) and, for many years, raised funds for student nutrition in Toronto schools at her annual Lunar New Year banquet.

When the newly amalgamated Toronto District School Board decided to close Bruce School, Principal Mah worked with well known early-years advocates Fraser Mustard and Charles Pascal and her community to propose instead a full day integrated learning program at Bruce School. This became the model for full-day kindergarten in Ontario.

Valerie Mah also served with distinction on the Chinese Chamber of Commerce East Toronto as a key organizer for the Chinese Archway at Gerrard and Broadview and was a longtime member of the Division 55 Toronto Police Service's Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), which established a youth bursary in her name.

With strong support from Mah’s family, local community groups, and education workers I support this opportunity to honour Valerie.