The Souster Steps
The Souster Steps are named for one of Toronto's most beloved poets. Raymond Souster (1921-2012) lived for 17 years on Mayfield Avenue, nigh Willard Gardens Parkette - or "Lollipop Park." A devoted Swansea resident, Souster spent all but four years of his life in Toronto, his birth city. Over 60 years, Souster penned more than 50 poetry collections and edited many anthologies. Revered as the "Dean of Toronto Poets," his verse - casual and inviting - always shows respect for everyday people and finds wisdom and whimsy in commonplace events.
In 1952, Souster co-founded Contact Press, which published Margaret Atwood, Leonard Cohen, Gwendolyn MacEwen, and Milton Acorn, among others, early in their careers. In 1966, Souster helped to establish the League of Canadian Poets, serving as its first president. Souster tirelessly championed Canadian poetry, viewing it as a community art.
Souster received the Governor General's Award for Poetry in 1964 and the City of Toronto Book Award in 1980. He was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1995. His poetry is deathless.
Plaque via Alan L. Brown's site Toronto Plaques. Full page here.