Wesley Hill, a dedicated public servant, significantly impacted the city of Sault Ste. Marie’s infrastructure and political landscape throughout his decades of service.
Early Life and Career
Born on April 24th, 1897, in Prince Township to Ira Hill and Mary Jane Hill (nee Wilson), Wesley Hill grew up on a family farm and was actively involved in its operations. During World War I, he was exempted from military service to continue farming, though he did complete Reserve Force training.
At age 24, Hill began working at Algoma Steel as a labourer. He spent eight years as a heater in the Coke ovens and seven years in the Benzol Plant, eventually becoming foreman of the Coke ovens and then General Foreman of both the Coke Ovens and the Benzol by-products.
Political Service and Civic Improvements
Hill entered municipal politics in 1932 as an Alderman, serving a total of 11 years on City Council – eight years representing Ward 6 and three years representing Ward 5. He also served as Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission and was appointed Sault Ste. Marie’s first Traffic Commissioner under Mayor W. J. McMeeken.
As Traffic Commissioner, Hill oversaw the installation of the city’s first traffic lights and the transition of the transportation system from streetcars to buses.
Mayoral Campaigns and Legacy
Hill ran for mayor three times, in 1946 and most recently in 1961 against James McIntyre, losing the final election by a narrow margin of 426 votes. Wesley Hill passed away in August of 1978 at the age of 81, leaving behind a lasting legacy of service to Sault Ste. Marie.
This article was written using information compiled from the Sault Star Archive Collection at the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library.
Each week, the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library and its Archives provide a glimpse of the city’s past.
Find out more about what the Public Library has to offer at www.ssmpl.ca and look for more “Remember This?” columns here.
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