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David William HarveyCanadian engineer
Date of Birth: 24.02.1887
Country:  Canada |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Ontario Power Company and Toronto Railway
- Toronto Transportation Commission
- Effective Leadership
- Expansion and Innovation
- Legacy
Early Life and Education
Born in London, Ontario, William Richard Harvey graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in civil engineering.
Ontario Power Company and Toronto Railway
In 1910, Harvey began his career at the Ontario Power Company at Niagara Falls. The following year, he joined the Department of Works for the City of Toronto as an engineer-constructor. He became responsible for the construction and operation of the new Toronto Civic Railways.
Toronto Transportation Commission
On September 1, 1921, Harvey became assistant manager of the newly formed Toronto Transportation Commission (TTC), which consolidated most of Toronto's public and private streetcar lines. He ascended to general manager on May 1, 1924, after the resignation of H.H. Cozens.
Effective Leadership
Harvey was a highly respected and effective manager with a thorough understanding of the technical aspects of transportation system operations and maintenance. He held several patents for transportation equipment, including the design for a three-door Peter Witt-type streetcar, which significantly reduced boarding times.
Expansion and Innovation
Harvey introduced buses on feeder routes and oversaw the creation and expansion of Gray Coach Lines, the TTC's interurban bus operator. The main workshop at the TTC Hillcrest Complex on Bathurst Street, opened in 1924, was renamed in his honor.
Legacy
William Richard Harvey left a lasting legacy on the Toronto Transit Commission. His innovations and dedication to efficient and modern transportation made a significant contribution to the development of the city's transit system.
