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Mel Lastman

Mel Lastman was a Canadian businessman and municipal politician who served as mayor of North York from 1973 to 1997 and as the first mayor of the amalgamated City of Toronto from 1998 to 2003.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mel Lastman was a Canadian businessman and municipal politician who served as mayor of North York from 1973 to 1997 and as the first mayor of the amalgamated City of Toronto from 1998 to 2003. He was also the founder of the Bad Boy Furniture chain. Lastman died on December 11, 2021, at age 88.

Early life and business career

Mel Lastman was born in Toronto in 1933, the son of Jewish immigrants. He began working in his family’s grocery business before founding the Bad Boy Furniture chain in 1955. This business venture established his career before he entered politics.

Mayor of North York

Lastman entered municipal politics in 1969 and was elected mayor of North York in 1972, taking office in 1973. He served as mayor for 25 years, until the city was amalgamated into Toronto in 1998. His tenure was associated with local development and civic promotion in the suburb.

Mayor of Toronto

Following the amalgamation of Toronto in 1998, Lastman became the first mayor of the new City of Toronto. He served two terms, leaving office in 2003.

Public image and legacy

Lastman was widely recognized as a forceful, highly visible public figure. His legacy includes his role in municipal governance, particularly in shaping North York’s development, as well as his business ventures with the Bad Boy Furniture chain.

Key facts

  • Founded the Bad Boy Furniture chain in 1955.
  • Served as mayor of North York for 25 years (1973–1997).
  • Became the first mayor of the amalgamated City of Toronto in 1998, serving until 2003.
  • Died in Toronto on December 11, 2021, at age 88.
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Canadian context

Lastman was a major figure in Toronto-area municipal politics and in the history of Toronto’s 1998 amalgamation, which is significant for Canadian readers interested in local government, urban development, and civic history.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Mel Lastman?
Mel Lastman was a Canadian businessman and politician best known as mayor of North York and the first mayor of the amalgamated City of Toronto.
What was Mel Lastman known for outside politics?
He was known for founding the Bad Boy Furniture chain.
How long was Mel Lastman mayor of North York?
He served as mayor of North York from 1973 to 1997, a 25-year tenure.
When did Mel Lastman serve as mayor of Toronto?
He served as mayor of Toronto from 1998 to 2003, after municipal amalgamation.
When did Mel Lastman die?
He died on December 11, 2021, in Toronto at the age of 88.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mel_Lastman
    Supports: Birth name, dates, offices held, and founder of Bad Boy Furniture
  2. City of Toronto — https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/online-exhibits/web-exhibits/web-exhibits-community-neighbourhoods/progress-economy-heart-celebrating-100-years-of-north-york/progress-economy-heart-mel-lastman/
    Supports: Birth in Toronto, family background, Bad Boy Furniture founding, North York mayoralty, Toronto mayoralty, and death date
  3. CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/former-toronto-mayor-mel-lastman-dies-age-88-1.6282854
    Supports: Death at age 88 and career as Toronto mayor
  4. The Canadian Jewish News — https://thecjn.ca/news/mel-lastman-funeral/
    Supports: North York and Toronto mayoral service, Jewish identity, and family details