Toronto virtually commemorates 2nd anniversary of Yonge Street Tragedy, virtual vigil
Flags will fly at half mast in Nathan Phillips Square and Mel Lastman Square
TORONTO, ON., APRIL 22, 2020 –– The City of Toronto and ‘We Love Willowdale’ will virtually commemorate the second anniversary of the Yonge Street Tragedy that happened on April 23, 2018. This year’s commemoration will take place online due to the COVID-19 pandemic and consideration for public health and safety.
In remembrance of the people who lost their lives, survivors and all those impacted by the tragedy, the City will live stream a statement by Mayor John Tory at 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 23. Later in the evening, there will be a virtual vigil led by community groups, We Love Willowdale and Willowdale Interfaith Coalition.
To mark the time of the incident, flags on Nathan Phillips Square and Mel Lastman Square at North York Civic Centre will be lowered to half-mast at 1:30 p.m. for the remainder of the day. The Toronto Sign will also be dimmed just before sunset.
We Love Willowdale and Willowdale Interfaith Coalition, two community groups in North York, will lead a virtual vigil at 6 p.m. on the We Love Willowdale Facebook page. This vigil will bring together the community, provide support for those impacted and offer a space for people to interact and leave messages.
As this commemoration may bring back painful and traumatic memories, those who require support or counselling are advised to call 211 to access support from the Ontario Psychological Association who is offering free mental health services.
To help keep our community safe during the COVID-19 crisis, residents are respectfully requested to adhere to public health orders and refrain from gathering to lay flowers or other memorabilia at the incident sites.
The City recognizes the challenges the current pandemic and physical distancing measures poses to individuals experiencing trauma as a result of this tragedy. People are encouraged to continue to take care of one another and connect with loved ones, friends, and vulnerable members of the community online or by phone who may be impacted.
The Toronto Van attack
On April 23, 2018, a rented van was driven along the Yonge Street sidewalk from Finch to Sheppard in North York deliberately targeting pedestrians, killing 10 and injuring 16, some critically. The 25-year-old male driver, was arrested uninjured just south of the crime scene.
The community-led virtual vigil can be accessed on the We Love Willowdale Facebook page: facebook.com/WeLoveWillowdale.
More information about the City’s virtual commemoration can be found at: toronto.ca/city-government/awards-tributes/tributes/commemoration-of-the-yonge-street-tragedy.
SOURCE files from City of Toronto
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