History of Rob Ford in Timeline

Rob Ford was a Canadian politician and businessman best known for serving as the 64th Mayor of Toronto from 2010 to 2014. Prior to and following his mayoral term, he was a city councillor for Ward 2 Etobicoke North. He initially entered Toronto City Council in 2000 and was re-elected twice before becoming mayor. Ford's tenure was marked by both his populist appeal and significant controversies.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

May 28, 1969: Birth of Rob Ford

On May 28, 1969, Robert Bruce Ford was born in Canada. He later became the 64th mayor of Toronto.

1969: Birth in Etobicoke, Ontario

In 1969, Rob Ford was born in Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada, as the youngest of four children to Ruth Diane and Douglas Bruce Ford.

1995: Father becomes MPP

In 1995, Rob Ford's father became a Progressive Conservative member of the Provincial Parliament (MPP).

February 1996: Beginning of Relationship with Renata Brejniak

In February 1996, Rob Ford started dating Renata Brejniak after her divorce from her first husband.

1997: First Run for Toronto City Council

In 1997, Rob Ford first ran for Toronto City Council in Ward 3 Kingsway-Humber but placed fourth.

1999: Father's Term as MPP Ends

In 1999, the term of Rob Ford's father as a Progressive Conservative member of the Provincial Parliament (MPP) ended.

August 2000: Marriage to Renata Brejniak

In August 2000, Rob Ford married Renata Brejniak at All Saints Roman Catholic Church in Etobicoke. They had met in high school.

2000: Start of Term as City Councillor

In 2000, Rob Ford began his tenure as a city councillor, representing Ward 2 Etobicoke North.

2000: Move to Ward 4

In 2000, Rob Ford moved to Ward 4 after getting married.

2000: Elected as Councillor for Ward 2

In 2000, Rob Ford was elected as a councillor for Ward 2 Etobicoke North, defeating the incumbent Elizabeth Brown. He received the endorsement of the Toronto Star.

2000: Election to Toronto City Council

In 2000, Rob Ford was elected to the Toronto City Council, marking the beginning of his career in municipal politics.

2000: Gang Violence in Ward 2

In 2000, Ward 2 experienced gang violence, including six murders.

2001: Ford coached at Newtonbrook Secondary School

In 2001, Rob Ford first coached football at Newtonbrook Secondary School, but was later dismissed due to a dispute with a player.

2001: Proposed Budget Cuts

In 2001, Rob Ford proposed cuts to councillors' office budgets, travel expenses, and perks, aiming to save $100 million. He voted against a 5% property tax increase and paid for his office expenses from his own salary.

2001: Budget Deliberations and Passionate Speeches

In 2001, during budget deliberations, Rob Ford gained a reputation for passionate speeches, criticizing government spending and red tape. He argued against spending on a suicide prevention barrier and suggested focusing on child molesters instead.

2002: Heated Exchanges with Giorgio Mammoliti

In 2002, Rob Ford and Giorgio Mammoliti had heated exchanges during municipal budget debates, with Mammoliti calling Ford a "goon" and Ford calling Mammoliti a "scammer" and a "Gino-boy." Mammoliti filed a complaint alleging a racist remark.

2003: Endorsement of Political Candidates

In 2003, Rob Ford endorsed twelve political candidates on a platform of fiscal responsibility, targeting fellow councillors whom he accused of mismanaging funds. Most of the targeted councillors were re-elected, except Sherene Shaw, who was defeated by Michael Del Grande.

2003: Re-elected with 80% of the vote

In 2003, Rob Ford was re-elected in Ward 2 with 80% of the vote, defeating two candidates from the local Somali community.

2005: Constituent Responsiveness

In 2005, Rob Ford's responsiveness to constituents' problems was tested by local radio station AM 640. He was one of only three councillors to call back in person within a day to report a pothole.

April 15, 2006: Ford attended a Toronto Maple Leafs game

On April 15, 2006, Rob Ford attended a Toronto Maple Leafs hockey game at the Air Canada Centre, where he was reported to be intoxicated and acting inappropriately. He initially denied being at the game but later admitted it and apologized.

June 2006: Controversial Comments on AIDS Funding

In June 2006, Rob Ford opposed the city donating $1.5 million to AIDS prevention, arguing it wasn't a concern for most taxpayers.

September 2006: Death of Rob Ford's father

In September 2006, the death of Rob Ford's father, Doug Ford Sr., due to cancer, marked a period when Ford transitioned to crack cocaine use in addition to alcohol. According to reporter Robyn Doolittle, Ford would come home at night and either drink heavily or use hard drugs or prescription pills.

2006: Ford's alcohol and drug abuse grew after his father's death

After the death of his father in 2006, Rob Ford's alcohol and drug abuse grew, leading to public episodes of intoxication and subsequent denials. His abuse led to him being stripped of much of his power as mayor.

2006: Ford Wins Election Again

In 2006, Rob Ford won the election again, defeating Somali-Canadian candidate Cadigia Ali, with 66% of the vote.

2006: Ward 2 Demographics

In 2006, Ward 2 had a population that was 53% immigrants, mainly South Asians.

2006: Father's Death and Family Business

In 2006, after the death of Doug Ford Sr., the Ford family retained ownership of Deco Labels through Doug Ford Holdings, with Rob Ford as a director.

March 7, 2007: Comments on Cyclists Sharing Roads

On March 7, 2007, Rob Ford spoke against cyclists sharing roads with motorists, arguing that roads were built for buses, cars, and trucks, not bikes.

March 5, 2008: Remarks About Oriental People

On March 5, 2008, Rob Ford stated "Those Oriental people work like dogs", a remark he later formally apologized for while stating that he meant it as a compliment.

2008: Ford was charged with assault and threatening to kill his wife

In 2008, following a 9-1-1 call from the Ford home, Rob Ford was charged with assault and threatening to kill his wife. The charges were later dropped due to credibility issues with his wife's statements. Ford and his wife sought marital counseling afterward.

May 2010: Apology for AIDS Comments

In May 2010, Rob Ford apologized for his 2006 comments on AIDS funding after his opponent, George Smitherman, questioned his character.

October 2010: End of Term as City Councillor

In October 2010, Rob Ford's term as city councillor concluded after serving since 2000.

December 2010: Inauguration Ceremony and First Council Meeting

In December 2010, Rob Ford's inauguration ceremony took place at the first meeting of the new council, where Don Cherry introduced him and put the chain of office on him. Cherry's remarks garnered some controversy.

2010: DUI and marijuana possession became an election issue

During Rob Ford's 2010 mayoral campaign, a 1999 arrest in Miami, Florida, for DUI and marijuana possession became an election issue when the Toronto Star published details of his arrest. He initially denied it but later apologized.

2010: Doug Ford became city councillor

In 2010, Doug Ford, Rob Ford's brother, became the Toronto city councillor for Ward 2 Etobicoke North, coinciding with Rob's term as mayor.

2010: Ford becomes Mayor of Toronto

In 2010, Rob Ford assumed office as the 64th mayor of Toronto, marking a significant point in his political career.

2010: Bike Lanes on Jarvis Street

In 2010, bike lanes were installed on Jarvis Street over the objection of traffic advocates.

January 1, 2011: Cancellation of Vehicle Registration Tax

On January 1, 2011, the council cancelled the annual $60 personal vehicle registration tax, fulfilling a campaign promise of Rob Ford's. This tax cancellation was passed by the previous council.

October 25, 2011: Police called to Ford's home for domestic dispute

On October 25, 2011, police were called to Rob Ford's home to investigate a domestic dispute. No charges were filed.

December 25, 2011: Police called to Ford's home on Christmas Day

On December 25, 2011, police were called to Rob Ford's home on Christmas Day due to concerns that Ford, who had been drinking, was going to take his children to Florida against his wife's wishes. No charges were filed.

2011: Reversal of Bike Lane Decision

In 2011, as mayor, Rob Ford got the council to reverse the decision to install bike lanes on Jarvis Street, a move that was criticized by cycling advocates and led to protests.

2011: Ford's first year as mayor

In 2011, during Rob Ford's first year as mayor, the council mostly endorsed his proposals. Garbage pickup west of Yonge Street was privatized, and there was no property tax increase. The council also voted to declare the TTC an essential service.

March 2012: Ford was "very intoxicated" at City Hall and a downtown restaurant

During Saint Patrick's Day festivities in March 2012, Rob Ford was "very intoxicated" at City Hall and a downtown restaurant. He held a "wild party" in his office, knocked down a staffer, insulted others, and allegedly did cocaine in a private room at the restaurant. He made racial slurs to a cab driver and wandered around City Hall with a bottle of brandy.

December 2012: Removal of Jarvis Street Bike Lanes

In December 2012, the Jarvis Street bike lanes, which cost $86,000 to install in 2011, were removed at a cost of $200,000–$300,000. Physically separated bike lanes on Sherbourne Street were installed at the same time.

2012: Domestic incident calls to police

In 2012, further domestic incident calls were made to the police at Rob Ford's home. No charges were filed.

February 2013: Ford attended the Garrison Ball and was reported to be incoherent

In February 2013, Rob Ford attended the Garrison Ball and was reported to be incoherent. His staff ushered him out after an event organizer asked him to leave.

February 2013: Video of Ford smoking crack cocaine was recorded

In February 2013, Rob Ford was recorded smoking crack cocaine from a glass pipe. The video was released on August 11, 2016.

March 2013: Ford accused of groping Sarah Thomson

In March 2013, Rob Ford was accused of groping former mayoral candidate Sarah Thomson at a social event, and Thomson publicly stated that she thought that he was high on cocaine. Around that time, Ford was recorded on video smoking crack cocaine.

August 27, 2013: Police called to Ford's home for domestic dispute

On August 27, 2013, police were called to Rob Ford's home for another domestic dispute. No charges were filed.

November 2013: Incident at St. Patrick's Day festivities revealed

In November 2013, an incident that occurred at St. Patrick's Day festivities in March 2012 was revealed after an e-mail from a City Hall security guard describing the incident was found through access to information requests.

November 2013: Ford denied making lewd remarks and later apologized

In November 2013, on live television, Rob Ford denied that he had made lewd remarks to a female aide but later apologized for his graphic remarks.

2013: Substance Abuse Scandal

In 2013, Rob Ford faced a substance abuse scandal that garnered widespread national and international media coverage. Following his admission, the city council transferred mayoral powers to the Deputy Mayor.

2013: Ford was dismissed from Don Bosco Catholic Secondary School

In 2013, Rob Ford was dismissed from his coaching position at Don Bosco Catholic Secondary School after a controversial television interview led to a review of his coaching.

2013: Council endorsed Ford's plan to cancel "Transit City"

In the summer of 2013, the City Council endorsed Ford's plan to cancel the "Transit City" transit plan and build the Scarborough Subway Extension, fulfilling one of Ford's main campaign promises. This project was later approved and received funding both provincially and federally.

January 2, 2014: Ford registered as mayoral candidate

On January 2, 2014, Rob Ford registered as a candidate in the fall mayoral election.

April 2014: Ford denied access to Director's Lounge at the Air Canada Centre

In April 2014, Rob Ford was denied access to the Director's Lounge at the Air Canada Centre, and he was video-recorded using profanities during an argument with security staff. He denied being intoxicated and blamed the incident on voting against a contribution to MLSE's plan to expand BMO Field.

September 12, 2014: Ford withdrew his mayoral candidacy

On September 12, 2014, Rob Ford withdrew his candidacy for mayor due to the discovery of a cancerous tumor in his abdomen, and his brother Doug registered in his place.

September 2014: Ford admitted to hospital with abdominal tumour

In September 2014, Rob Ford was admitted to Humber River Regional Hospital with an abdominal tumour. He announced that he would not run in the 2014 mayoral election, and his brother Doug would run in his place.

September 2014: Diagnosis of Abdominal Tumour

In September 2014, Rob Ford was hospitalized and diagnosed with an abdominal tumour, leading to his withdrawal from the mayoral race.

September 17, 2014: Ford diagnosed with pleomorphic liposarcoma

On September 17, 2014, Dr. Zane Cohen revealed that Rob Ford had been diagnosed with pleomorphic liposarcoma, a rare form of cancer. He was treated with chemotherapy and surgery.

October 2014: Ford Withdraws From Mayoral Race

In October 2014, Rob Ford withdrew from the mayoral race, initially scheduled for October 2014, due to being hospitalized with an abdominal tumour. He then ran for his old city council seat instead.

November 30, 2014: Ford's term as mayor ended

On November 30, 2014, Rob Ford's term as mayor of Toronto ended, and he stated his intention to run for mayor again in 2018.

December 1, 2014: John Tory Succeeds Ford as Mayor

On December 1, 2014, John Tory replaced Rob Ford as mayor of Toronto, while Ford returned to his former city council seat.

2014: Doug Ford served as city councillor

In 2014, Doug Ford was the Toronto city councillor for Ward 2 Etobicoke North, which was Rob's term as mayor.

2014: End of Mayoral Term

In 2014, Rob Ford's term as the mayor of Toronto concluded, marking the end of his tenure in the city's highest office.

May 11, 2015: Ford to have surgery

On May 11, 2015, Rob Ford had a lengthy surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. He announced that he would be "out of commission" for four months.

October 28, 2015: Ford revealed new tumour on bladder

On October 28, 2015, Rob Ford revealed that a new tumour was growing on his bladder, later confirmed to be cancerous and consistent with liposarcoma.

March 2016: Death After Cancer Treatment

In March 2016, Rob Ford passed away after his cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, proved ineffective. He had briefly returned to council before his death.

March 17, 2016: Ford in hospital with family

On March 17, 2016, Rob Ford's office announced he was in the hospital with his family beside him as chemotherapy treatment had not been successful. His health was being reviewed to determine if he could continue treatment.

March 22, 2016: Death of Rob Ford

On March 22, 2016, Rob Ford passed away after facing health challenges. He was a former mayor of Toronto.

August 11, 2016: Crack cocaine video released

On August 11, 2016, the original video of Rob Ford smoking crack cocaine was released from publication ban by the Toronto Police Service after the extortion charge against Sandro Lisi was dropped. The video, recorded in February 2013, showed Ford smoking crack cocaine from a glass pipe.

2016: Death in Etobicoke

In 2016, Rob Ford died in Etobicoke, where he had lived with his wife Renata and their two children.

September 2017: Proposal to rename Centennial Park Stadium

In September 2017, Toronto Mayor John Tory, along with Councillor Stephen Holyday and the Ford family, proposed renaming Centennial Park Stadium to Rob Ford Memorial Stadium to honor Ford's coaching.

October 4, 2017: City council rejected proposal to rename Centennial Park Stadium after Ford

On October 4, 2017, the Toronto city council rejected the proposal to rename Centennial Park Stadium after Rob Ford.

October 5, 2017: City council rejected proposal to rename Centennial Park Stadium to Rob Ford Memorial Stadium

On October 5, 2017, the Toronto City Council rejected the proposal to rename Centennial Park Stadium to Rob Ford Memorial Stadium, with a vote of 24–11.

2018: Ford intended to run for mayor again

In 2018, Rob Ford stated that he intended to run for mayor again.

2023: Motion to rename to Rob Ford Stadium passed

In 2023, Councillor Paul Ainslie put forward another motion to change the name to "Rob Ford Stadium". This motion passed 17–6, including with the support of Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow.