Imagine a time when your town had no traffic lights, and the streets were a chaotic dance of horse-drawn carriages and early automobiles. Now, meet the man who changed that forever. Wesley Hill, born in 1897, wasn’t just a public servant—he was a visionary who left an indelible mark on Sault Ste. Marie’s infrastructure and political landscape. But here’s where it gets fascinating: his journey from a humble farm in Prince Township to becoming the city’s first Traffic Commissioner is a story of grit, adaptability, and unwavering dedication.
Wesley’s early life was rooted in hard work. Born to Ira Hill and Mary Jane Hill (née Wilson) on April 24, 1897, he grew up on a family farm, deeply involved in its daily operations. During World War I, while many of his peers were called to battle, Wesley was exempted from military service to continue farming—a testament to the critical role agriculture played at the time. Yet, he still trained with the Reserve Force, ready to serve if needed. This blend of responsibility and preparedness would define his future endeavors.
At 24, Wesley shifted gears, joining Algoma Steel as a laborer. Over the next two decades, he climbed the ranks, working in the Coke ovens and Benzol Plant before becoming the General Foreman of both. His rise wasn’t just about hard work—it was about mastering complex systems and leading teams through industrial challenges. But here’s the part most people miss: his experience in industry laid the groundwork for his later role in shaping the city’s transportation future.
Wesley’s political career began in 1932 when he became an Alderman, serving on City Council for 11 years across two wards. He also chaired the Public Utilities Commission, a role that positioned him to tackle the city’s growing transportation needs. And this is where the controversy begins: as Sault Ste. Marie’s first Traffic Commissioner under Mayor W. J. McMeeken, Wesley oversaw the installation of the city’s first traffic lights—a move that wasn’t universally welcomed. Some saw it as progress; others viewed it as unnecessary modernization. Under his leadership, the city also transitioned from streetcars to buses, a shift that reshaped public transit but also sparked debates about accessibility and tradition.
Wesley’s ambition didn’t stop there. He ran for mayor three times—in 1946, 1954, and 1961—each attempt ending in defeat. His final run against James McIntyre was particularly close, losing by just 426 votes. Was it his industrial background, his bold transportation reforms, or simply the political climate that kept him from the mayor’s office? That’s a question still worth debating.
Wesley Hill passed away in August 1978 at 81, leaving behind a legacy of service that transformed Sault Ste. Marie. His story, pieced together from the Sault Star Archive Collection at the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library, reminds us that progress often requires courage and vision. But here’s the real question: Would Wesley’s approach to modernization work in today’s world? Do we need more leaders like him, or has the definition of progress changed? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going.
To dive deeper into the city’s history, visit the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library at www.ssmpl.ca and explore more "Remember This?" columns here. There’s always more to uncover!
