The City of Hamilton is renaming the MacNab Transit Terminal as the Frank A. Cooke Transit Terminal to recognize “Cooke’s significant contributions to his community through his employment at the Hamilton Street Railway and his volunteer work.”

The renaming process starts Sunday, August 21, when crews install new signage at the terminal. HSR staff will also update route materials in time for the fall schedule period which starts Sunday, September 4. The City will also host a civic dedication ceremony to honour Cooke on Sunday, September 11.

According to a City news release:

“Frank Arthur Cooke began his transit career in 1946 as a cashier with HSR and retired as General Manager in 1985. He died in 2014 at age 100.

“In 1950, as a purchasing agent, Cooke brought the first trolley buses to Hamilton and oversaw the sale of Hamilton’s old street cars.

“A passionate transit champion, he served as a long-time member of the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) and president from 1970 until 1971. He was also inducted into the CUTA Hall of Fame for his contribution to urban transit.

“Cooke’s impact on transit extended beyond Hamilton, assisting in the start up of transit services in several southern Ontario cities including Galt (now part of Cambridge) and Guelph.

“Cooke’s sense of civic duty extended beyond his career in transit. He was involved in a voluntary capacity with the Hamilton Downtown Rotary Club, PROBUS Club, Tourism and Convention Bureau and was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee. He also volunteered tutoring students with visual disabilities and was active in minor sports.”

The City and HSR opened MacNab Transit Terminal Sunday, January 3, 2011.