http://www.toronto.com/feature/491
What is Simcoe Day?
Simcoe Day is in honour of the first Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada, John Graves Simcoe
(from the article)
Quote:
"John Graves Simcoe was more than just a colonial governor -- he abolished slavery, created Yonge Street, and even inspired the agricultural fair tradition that would give rise to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair....
In 1869 Toronto City Council came up with the idea for a summer "day of recreation." In 1875, it was settled: the first Monday in August would be the official Civic Holiday.
That name stuck as other cities followed Toronto's leisure-loving example and proclaimed this a municipal (rather than provincial) holiday. But in 1968 Toronto City Council again took the lead and renamed the day to recognize one of Ontario's earliest historical figures. "
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The Province of Ontario officially named it Simcoe Day in 1999.
Simcoe has an interesting story - the article has more details.