The City of Toronto will commemorate Remembrance Week from Wednesday, November 5 to Tuesday, November 11, honouring the sacrifices of those who gave their lives in service to Canada. Throughout the week, ceremonies and activities will be held across the city to remember and pay tribute to veterans and active service members culminating in Remembrance Day ceremonies on Tuesday, November 11.
This year marks two significant anniversaries: the 80th anniversary of the End of the Second World War and the 100th Anniversary of the Toronto Cenotaph at Old City Hall.
Wednesday, November 5 – Toronto Remembers: Commemorative Projections
To mark these anniversaries, a special commemorative lighting display will be projected nightly from Wednesday, November 5 to Tuesday, November 11, from 6 to 11 p.m., onto the west side of Old City Hall. The display is a powerful visual tribute to those who served and the history of the Toronto Cenotaph.
Wednesday, November 5 – Poppy installation on the Toronto Sign
An illuminated poppy will be added to the Toronto Sign at Nathan Phillips Square, from Wednesday, November 5 to Tuesday, November 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.
Friday, November 7 – Old City Hall Open House
Visitors can explore newly created interior panels showcasing wartime history and the stories behind Toronto’s cenotaphs. The displays mirror those featured in the City Hall Rotunda and along the Metrolinx hoarding. The open house will also include interpretation and a table of artifacts presented by historians, offering additional context and insight into Toronto’s military heritage.
In addition, 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.
Saturday, November 8 – Indigenous Veterans Day
Toronto will mark Indigenous Veterans Day, honouring First Nations, Inuit and Métis veterans who have served in conflicts around the world. This day highlights their ongoing contributions to the Canadian military and the important role they have played in Canada’s history.
The ceremony will include traditional ways of remembrance, with a Sacred Fire led by Young Spiritual Elder Noodjmowin and a Sharing Circle to honour and learn about those who have served.
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and Her Honour the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario will attend. Everyone is invited attend the Sacred Fire.
Mayor Olivia Chow will proclaim November 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:
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
On Tuesday, November 11, the City will raise two significant flags. 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
All Toronto Transit Commission vehicles will stop for two minutes on Monday, November 11, at 11 a.m.
Road Closures and Public Access
To facilitate the Remembrance Day ceremony at Old City Hall and to ensure public safety, there will be road restrictions and transit diversions including:
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.
Quote:
“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.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow
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