Alexander Manning

Who was Alexander Manning?

Alexander Henderson Manning was a Canadian contractor, businessman, and the 20th Mayor of Toronto, serving a single term in 1873 and a second in 1885.

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Manning was the last unelected Toronto mayor. Before and between his political office Manning was a contractor, as carpenter and general contractor. Manning worked on various projects in the city and beyond:

Welland Canal

Toronto Normal and Model School

Library of Parliament, Ottawa

railway projects in Canada and the United States

second Grand Opera House

Manning was St. Lawrence Ward alderman from 1856-1858 and 1867 to 1873.

Beside politics, Manning served on various corporate boards and associations:

Irish Protestant Benevolent Society of Toronto

St. Patrick’s Society of Toronto

National Club of Toronto

Toronto Board of Trade

Director, Traders Bank of Canada

Director, Canadian Bank of Commerce

President, Toronto Dry Dock and Shipbuilding Company

President, North American Land Company Limited

Married twice, Manning died in Toronto in 1903 and buried at St. James Cemetery.

Manning Arcade and Manning Chambers were two office complexes built for and named after Manning.