Peter Hugh Aykroyd, a distinguished Canadian public servant and beloved family man, passed away peacefully at the age of 98 on July 4th, 2020, at his ancestral farmhouse in Railton, Ontario. Born in Montreal on February 5th, 1922, Peter Aykroyd dedicated his life to serving Canada in various significant roles, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s development and heritage.
Aykroyd’s commitment to public service began early in his life. After graduating from the University of Toronto in 1945 with a degree in Applied Science and further studies at Carleton University, his career spanned several decades and encompassed diverse fields. He started by surveying roads in Ontario as a young man and contributed to the war effort by assembling Bren guns at the Inglis factory during World War II.
His passion for media and culture led him to the National Film Board (NFB) from 1948 to 1953. As a unit production manager, Peter Aykroyd oversaw the creation of over a hundred documentaries, contributing to Canada’s burgeoning film industry and its storytelling on a national and international stage.
Transitioning to urban development and heritage preservation, Peter Aykroyd became Chief Engineer at the National Capital Commission (NCC) from 1953 to 1961. During this period, he spearheaded the construction of 60 miles of the scenic Gatineau Parkway, a testament to his engineering prowess and vision for urban landscapes. From 1961 to 1964, as Director of Historical Preservation at the NCC, Peter Aykroyd played a crucial role in safeguarding Ottawa’s heritage by protecting numerous historical sites from development and establishing the city’s greenbelt, ensuring the preservation of natural spaces within the urban environment.
Aykroyd’s career reached a new height when he became Director of Public Relations for the 1967 Centennial Commission (1964-1967). In this highly visible role, Peter Aykroyd was instrumental in shaping Canada’s centennial celebrations. He commissioned the iconic song ‘Canada’ and initiated a design competition for the anniversary symbol, which resulted in the adoption of the Triangular Leaf. Furthermore, he oversaw the distribution of over one hundred fifty million dollars in Commission Grants to communities across the country, fostering national unity and celebratory events.
From 1968 to 1974, Peter Aykroyd served as Advisor to the Cabinet of Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau at the Privy Council Office. As a policy co-drafter, he was involved in the creation of significant governmental bodies, writing the Orders In Council to establish both the Ministry of Urban Affairs and the Ministry of the Environment, reflecting his forward-thinking approach to national development and environmental stewardship. His influence extended to urban planning as he authored O.I.C. – P.C. 1969-1108, which facilitated the transformation of Gatineau into a modern metropolitan area by mandating the relocation of government offices to Hull, leading to substantial office space construction and urban growth.
Peter Aykroyd’s public service continued as Chairman of the Canadian Transportation Development Agency (1974-1977). In this role, he fostered international collaborations, notably helping negotiate the sharing of icebreaking technology with the People’s Republic of China during trade missions, demonstrating his ability to bridge international relations through technological exchange. He concluded his government career as Assistant Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Transport (1977-1980).
Beyond his government service, Peter Aykroyd ventured into the business world as Vice President for Special Projects at Hard Rock Café (East) from 1982 to 1985. He also established himself as an author, penning “Anniversary Compulsion,” “A Sense of Place,” and “History of Ghosts,” showcasing his diverse intellectual interests and creative talents. In a demonstration of his altruistic nature, he established Milleniad Brands for Y2K products and services, aiming to provide helpful resources during the millennium transition.
Peter Aykroyd was a devout Christian with a deep Judeo-Christian faith. Described as funny, loving, kind, generous, compassionate, humanist, and a spiritual seeker, he was also known for his visits to City Jail inmates, reflecting his compassionate nature and desire to help others. He had a fondness for his 1932 Pierce Arrow V-12, the music of Jack Hylton, dancing, cigars, clean vodka, and his famously demanding pet, Seymour.
Predeceased by his wife Lorraine Helene Marie Gougeon in 2018 after 69 years of marriage, Peter Aykroyd is survived by his sister Judith Harvie, sons Daniel and Peter, daughter-in-law Donna Dixon, granddaughters Danielle, Belle, and Stella, brother-in-law Andrew, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was a devoted husband, supportive father, grandfather, and grand godfather, cherished by his family and remembered as a sweet, smart, gracious, humble, and gentle man – a true Canadian giant.
Donations in Peter Aykroyd’s memory can be made to the Kingston Community Foundation, continuing his legacy of community support and generosity.
