infrastructure that began with his predecessor, Metro's first Chairman, Fred Gardiner. Most notably, the Bloor-Danforth and University subway lines opened during Allen's tenure. Furthermore, Allen also initiated many social programs that included welfare assistance and old age homes. Allen cited the latter initiative as one of his proudest achievements. Metro's fourth chair, Paul V. Godfrey, told reporters after Allen's death 25 years later that he gave Metro its "human touch". (Toronto Star, October 1/85) Allen retired from the post in 1969. After leaving politics, he served as President and CEO to several corporations and sat on the Board of Directors for Molson, Air Canada, York University, the Toronto Stock Exchange, and others. Allen continued to practice law before being appointed President of the Canadian National Exhibition from 1979 to 1980. During his political career, Allen served on all City Council and Metropolitan Council Standing Committees. He also held positions with a number of external bodies. He was President of the Ontario Municipal Association, Honorary President of the Convention and Tourist Bureau of Metropolitan Toronto, and Honorary Vice-President of Boy Scouts of Canada. Allen maintained similar policies set out by his predecessor, Fred Gardiner. Toronto was going through a period of change, and he did little to impede that process. He presided over the expansion of the subway network and continued with the expressway building program, which was cancelled after his exit from politics. Retirement Upon his retirement, the Spadina Expressway was renamed the William R. Allen Expressway (now the William R. Allen Road) in honour of Allen's distinguished civic service. The "Allen" runs from Kennard Avenue (Wilson Heights Boulevard link) in the north, to Eglinton Avenue West in the south. Allen strongly opposed amalgamation until his death in 1985 (Globe and Mail, October 1/85). He is buried at Mount Hope Catholic Cemetery. References City of Toronto Archives, biography 1919 births 1985 deaths Metropolitan Toronto councillors Chairmen of Metropolitan Toronto Canadian King's Counsel