A white T-shirt with the words ‘End Poverty’ is draped over the monitor where Pam McConnell sat for city council meetings.

The 71-year-old councillor and deputy mayor has passed away from a respiratory illness.

Councillor Jaye Robinson, who sat beside McConnell for six years, says they had fun but also sparred at times.

Robinson says her colleagues are shocked and devastated to lose such a hard-working, passionate councillor, adding Pam McConnell was a trailblazer when it came to women in municipal politics.

The Toronto sign in Nathan Philips Square will be dimmed Friday evening.

Flags at City and Metro Halls as well as the various civic centres have been lowered to half-mast.

A book of condolence has been set up at Toronto City Hall.

Funeral arrangements will be forthcoming.