Popular Hamilton mayor Vic Copps

Remembering Vic Copps — The Voice, the Mayor, the Visionary of Hamilton

On a walk through Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery in Burlington, Ontario, I came across the grave of a man who helped shape modern Hamilton — former mayor and civic visionary Vic Copps.

Born in Haileybury, Ontario, Copps moved to Hamilton in 1945, where he began his public life not in politics, but behind the microphone as a sports broadcaster for CHML radio — once a powerhouse on the AM dial. (In a poignant bit of timing, CHML signed off for good on August 14, 2024, closing a chapter in local media history).

From broadcasting, Copps turned to politics. In 1962, he was elected Mayor of Hamilton, becoming the city’s first Catholic mayor, and served until 1976, when a heart attack forced him to step down. But in those 14 years, he left an indelible mark.

Vic Copps championed urban renewal at a time when Hamilton was undergoing major transitions. He pushed for modernization, infrastructure improvements, and civic development, helping move the city into a new era. One of his proudest legacies was the creation of Hamilton’s first major sports and entertainment facility — the arena that would later bear his name: Copps Coliseum (now FirstOntario Centre).

His influence extended beyond city hall. Vic is also remembered as the father of Sheila Copps, a prominent Liberal MP, cabinet minister, and deputy prime minister, who carried her father’s legacy of public service to the national stage.

Victor Copps died in his beloved city of Hamilton, Ontario on October 15, 1988. He was 69.

1919-1988