Municipal elections were held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on January 5, 1903. In the mayoral election, Alderman Thomas Urquhart defeated incumbent Mayor Oliver Aiken Howland, who was attempting to win a third term in office. Urquhart's platform included operating the telephone and gas systems under city management. Urquhart had the support of the Toronto Trades and Labour Council.[1][2] Alderman Lamb came in third.[2]
1903 was the last year in which the Toronto Board of Control, the executive body of Toronto City Council was not directly elected. At the first council meeting following the general election, council chose Aldermen Loudon, Oliver, Burns and Richardson to sit on the body, which was chaired by the Mayor.[4]
Four aldermen were elected to Toronto City Council per ward. Former mayor John Shaw attempted to win an aldermanic seat in the Third Ward, but was defeated.
First Ward (Riverdale)
William Temple Stewart (incumbent) - 1,518
Daniel Chisholm - 1,515
Robert Fleming (incumbent) - 1,407
Fred H. Richardson (incumbent) - 1,255
John Preston - 1,100
Second Ward (Cabbagetown and Rosedale)
Frank S. Spence (incumbent) - 1,932
Joseph Oliver (incumbent) - 1,883
Dr. John Noble - 1,781
Thomas Foster (incumbent) - 1,583
Edward Strachan Cox - 1,426
David Carlyle - 1,136
Thomas Davies - 624
W.A. Douglass - 594
Frederick Hogg - 585
Third Ward (Central Business District and The Ward)
↑"URQUHART STAYS IN FIELD: TELLS EAST ENDERS HE WILL NOT RETIRE Supported by Labor Men-- Aid. Lamb and the Zoo Mayor Howland an Obstructionist Policy of Progress", The Globe (1844-1936); Toronto, Ont. [Toronto, Ont]03 Jan 1903: 28
↑ 2.02.12.22.32.4"UBQUHART IS MAYOR BY A SAFE MAJORITY: Defeats Mayor Howland In a Closely-fought Contest-- Aid. Lamb a Good Third, With Robinson Nowhere-- Aid. McMurrich, Alex. Stewart and Harvey Hall Were Unsuccessful-- Seven New Men in Council-- Dr. Ogden, the Veteran Trustee, Among the Vanquished", The Globe (1844-1936); Toronto, Ont. [Toronto, Ont]06 Jan 1903: 12
↑"THE MUNICIPAL CAMPAIGN", The Globe (1844-1936); Toronto, Ont. [Toronto, Ont]31 Dec 1902: 5
↑"FIRST MEETING OF NEW COUNCIL: Board of Control Elected on the First Ballot THE MAYOR'S INAUGURAL Wm. Burns, Loudon, Oliver and Richardson Mayor Urquhart Urges More Power For the Board of Control-- The Standing Committees and Their Chairmen", The Globe (1844-1936); Toronto, Ont. [Toronto, Ont]13 Jan 1903: 4
↑ALDERMEN AND TRUSTEES NOMINATED: Contests in Every Ward-- Ex-Mayor John Shaw in the Field in the Third Ward-- Municipal Ownership Chief Topic at the Public Meetings --Thirteen School Trustees to be Elected-- Four Aldermen Not Seeking Re-election, The Globe (1844-1936); Toronto, Ont. [Toronto, Ont]30 Dec 1902: 4.