LINDSAY – Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust unveiled a marker commemorating the gravesite of the Honourable Leslie Miscampbell Frost, premier of Ontario from 1949 to 1961.

“Ontario witnessed an exceptional period of growth and prosperity throughout Leslie Frost’s years of service as premier,” said Dr. Thomas H.B. Symons, Chairman of the Ontario Heritage Trust. “Widely known with great affection as Old Man Ontario, Mr. Frost is remembered as one of the most pragmatic and successful politicians in the province’s history.”

Born in Orillia in 1895, Leslie Frost was the 16th premier of Ontario. He served in the First World War, where he sustained a severe wound. He recovered, and established a law practice with his brother Cecil in Lindsay. Frost was first elected to the Ontario Legislature in 1937, and served as provincial treasurer from 1943 to 1955. Frost's governments initiated progressive legislation in areas of health, education and human rights, and guided Ontario through a tremendous period of growth. He resigned as premier in 1961.

“Leslie Miscampbell Frost’s tenure as premier undeniably altered our provincial landscape into the Ontario that we celebrate today,” said Minister of Tourism and Culture Michael Chan. “From highways, to healthcare, to human rights, Frost was a visionary leader whose commitment to community and public service profoundly influenced the lives of Ontarians across the province for generations.”

The Premiers’ Gravesites Program honours Ontario’s former premiers and their service to Ontario by marking their gravesites. Specially designed bronze markers inscribed with the individual premier’s name and dates of service are being installed at each gravesite, along with flagpoles flying the Ontario flag, where possible.

This program is administered by the Ontario Heritage Trust with funding support from the Government of Ontario. The Trust is an agency of the government dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario’s heritage for the benefit of present and future generations.

Quick facts:

• Eighteen premiers will be commemorated through the Premiers’ Gravesites Program.
• This is the 15th marker to be unveiled through the program since it began in 2008.

Learn more:

For more information on the Premiers’ Gravesites Program, visit our website.

Contact:

Catrina Colme
Senior Marketing and Communications Specialist
Ontario Heritage Trust
Telephone: 416-325-5074
Email: catrina.colme@heritagetrust.on.ca

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