Toronto/CMEDIA: The sacrifices of those who gave their lives in service to Canada are reportedly being honoured by the City of Toronto in observing Remembrance Week from Wed, Nov 5 – Nov 11.
“Remembrance Week is our moment to come together as a city to honour the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of those who served. This year, as we mark the 100th anniversary of the Toronto Cenotaph and the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, we reflect on the generations who gave so much to secure peace and freedom. I encourage all Torontonians to take part by attending a ceremony, observing a moment of silence, or sharing a message of gratitude to ensure their legacy is never forgotten,” Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has said.
Ceremonies and activities will be held across the city throughout the week to remember and pay tribute to veterans and active service members culminating in Remembrance Day ceremonies on Tue, Nov 11.
Two significant anniversaries are being marked this year: the 80th anniversary of the End of the Second World War and the 100th Anniversary of the Toronto Cenotaph at Old City Hall.
Wed, Nov 5 – Toronto Remembers: Commemorative Projections
These anniversaries would reportedly be observed with a special commemorative lighting display projected nightly from Wed, Nov 5 to Tue, Nov 11, from 6 to 11 p.m., onto the west side of Old City Hall as a powerful visual tribute to those who served and the history of the Toronto Cenotaph.
Wed, Nov 5 – Poppy installation on the Toronto Sign
There would be an addition of an illuminated poppy to the Toronto Sign at Nathan Phillips Square, from Wed, Nov 5 to Tues, Nov 11, in remembrance of and to support the Royal Canadian Legion’s National Poppy Campaign. The Toronto Sign will also be lit red during the week.
Fri, Nov 7 – Old City Hall Open House
Wartime history and the stories behind Toronto’s cenotaphs and creation of interior panels would be showcased to be explored by visitors mirroring those featured in the City Hall Rotunda and along the Metrolinx hoarding.
Interpretation and a table of artifacts presented by historians would also be included in the open house offering additional context and insight into Toronto’s military heritage.
Besides, the Poppy Project exhibition will be on display, featuring a tapestry of knitted and crocheted poppies donated to the City by the Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) Branch 101.
More details can be found on the City’s webpage.
Sat, Nov 8 – Indigenous Veterans Day
Honouring First Nations, Inuit and Métis veterans who have served in conflicts around the world would be observed by Toronto as Indigenous Veterans Day highlighting their ongoing contributions to the Canadian military and the important role they have played in Canada’s history.
Traditional ways of remembrance would be included in the ceremony with a Sacred Fire led by Young Spiritual Elder Noodjmowin and a Sharing Circle to honour and learn about those who have served.
The ceremony would be attended by Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
Everyone is invited to attend the Sacred Fire.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow will proclaim Nov 8 as Indigenous Veterans Day and the Toronto Sign will be lit in the four colours of the Medicine Wheel – red, white, yellow and black.
More details about the Indigenous Veterans Day ceremony are available on the City’s website.
Remembrance Day ceremonies
On Tuesday, November 11 starting at 10:45 a.m., Remembrance Day ceremonies will be held at various locations across Toronto including:
- Old City Hall Cenotaph, 60 Queen St. W.
- East York Civic Centre Memorial Gardens, 850 Coxwell Ave.
- Etobicoke Civic Centre Cenotaph, 399 The West Mall
- Fort York National Historic Site – Garrison Common, 100 Garrison Rd.
- North York Cenotaph in York Cemetery, 160 Beecroft Rd.
- Scarborough War Memorial, 2190 Kingston Rd.
- York Civic Centre Cenotaph, 2700 Eglinton Ave. W.
The Old City Hall ceremony will also be streamed live on the City’s YouTube channel and on the City’s webpage.
Full ceremony details are available on the City’s Remembrance Day website.
Flying of flags
Two significant flags would be raised by the city on Tues, Nov 11: A Canadian flag that flew at Vimy Ridge in 2020 will be raised at Coronation Park and a City of Toronto flag that flew at Juno Beach in 2019 on Vimy Day will be raised at Toronto City Hall.
Moment of remembrance
On Mon, Nov 11, all Toronto Transit Commission vehicles will stop for two minutes at 11 a.m.
Road Closures and Public Access
Road restrictions and transit diversions would be in effect to facilitate the Remembrance Day ceremony at Old City Hall and to ensure public safety.
- Bay St. will be closed from Albert St. to Richmond St. W. and Queen St. W. from Bay St. to east of York St.
- The public is encouraged to approach Old City Hall from the west and use the Line 1 Osgoode Subway Station as access from the east including Yonge St. and Queen Subway Station is restricted.
For more information on Remembrance Week events, visit the City’s Remembrance Day webpage: Toronto.ca/Remembrance.
A Backgrounder on the City’s Remembrance Day commemorations is available on the City’s website.
