Remembering Howard Moscoe

On May 23, 2026 former city councillor for Eglinton Lawrence, Howard Moscoe passed away. Howard was a municipal politician for 32 years, TTC commissioner for 14 years (and chair for 5) and the founder of NYCH.

In 1988 Howard received notice of an anonymous donation of $900,000 to be made to his community with the funds to be allocated to a worthwhile community project. The benefactor requested that the project be rooted in the Bathurst-Lawrence area. Howard was named to act on the donor’s behalf in the determination of the community project. It was Howard who worked with community members to determine what was most needed. After examining a number of possibilities and proposals, Howard and the committee decided that a multi-service neighbourhood centre serving the Bathurst Lawrence community (and beyond) would be most needed. Howard helped the community members become the first board of directors and to establish a new organization. It was Howard’s persistence and vision that was responsible for the creation of NYCH and he set it up for success over the years.

After he founded NYCH and NYCH became an independent organization, Howard continued to be a huge supporter. Whenever there was a serious issue where we needed assistance, we knew who to call. And every time Howard was there for us. When NYCH had to leave its space in 1999 and could not find any appropriate space, it was Howard who found NYCH the space at Lawrence Square and who negotiated an excellent deal for us. Many times he helped NYCH maneuver through the bureaucracy of the city and other institutions. He was always looking for ways that NYCH could raise more funds and obtain additional resources. He was a huge promoter of NYCH. He attended many events, including many AGMs, and always spoke glowingly about the work we do and the positive impacts for the community. He told me many times that “NYCH was the best social services agency in North York”.

Howard cared deeply about the communities he served, especially the Lawrence Heights, Neptune and Lotherton communities, and was always available when these communities or the residents needed assistance. He had a unique ability to find innovative ways to bring positive changes to the community.

I will miss Howard but the legacy that he has left will live on. I know that he will be greatly missed by the people whose lives he touched at NYCH and in the community. May his memory be a blessing.