News Release
November 4, 2022

From November 5 to 11, the City of Toronto is commemorating Remembrance Week and honoring the courage and sacrifice of those who gave their lives in service to Canada, and those who continue to serve in the Canadian Forces and as part of the Royal Canadian Legion, through several programs and events.

In-person Remembrance Day ceremonies will be held on November 11 at Old City Hall, Etobicoke Civic Centre, East York Civic Centre, Fort York Historic Site, the Meridian Arts Centre, the Scarborough War Memorial and York Civic Centre. Members of the public can also watch the livestream of the City’s Remembrance Day Ceremony at Old City Hall, which will be available on Friday, November 11 starting at 10:45 a.m. at Toronto.ca/LestWeForget.

Earlier this year, the City commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid, which took place on August 19, 1942 and was the deadliest day in Toronto’s wartime history. An information display sharing the history of the Dieppe Raid and the stories of Torontonians who fought, including those who were captured, survived, injured or lost their lives, is now open at City Hall. This exhibit launched in August and has travelled to locations across Toronto. Its final stop at City Hall will be open to the public from today until November 11. For more information about Toronto’s role in the Dieppe Raid, visit Toronto.ca/Dieppe80.

Additional Remembrance Week commemorations and programming include:

  • On Tuesday, November 8, Mayor John Tory will proclaim Indigenous Veterans Day, when we pay tribute to the important ongoing and past contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis who served in the Canadian Forces, as well as to honour their sacrifices.
  • For the second year, an illuminated poppy will be added to the Toronto sign in Nathan Phillips Square, from November 4 to 11, in support of the Royal Canadian Legion’s annual poppy sale campaign.
  • On November 11, the Toronto sign will be lit red.
  • The City flies two significant flags on November 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 City Hall.
  • All Toronto Transit Commission vehicles will stop for two minutes on Friday, November 11 at 11 a.m. In addition, “Lest We Forget” window cards will be placed in TTC vehicles prior to Remembrance Day.
  • The City has added 64 names of those killed at Dieppe to its online Golden Book of Remembrance, which lists the names of Toronto residents who died in the Second World War. This book, along with the names of those lost during the First World War, are available in digital form at Toronto.ca/Remembrance.
  • Throughout Remembrance Week, the City will share stories of the wartime experiences of Toronto residents and veterans from a variety of backgrounds on social media.

More information about the City’s Remembrance Week commemorations and programming, online Books of Remembrance and stories of Torontonians at war and on the home front are available at Toronto.ca/Remembrance.

Quotes:

“Remembrance Week is an opportunity for Toronto residents to come together as we honour those who have served our country in times of peace and war, and to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. They must never be forgotten. I encourage all Torontonians to wear a poppy and to attend a Remembrance Day ceremony in your area. This is a time to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of our veterans, those who continue to serve and those who gave their lives for our peace and freedom today.”
– Mayor John Tory

“When we wear a poppy each November, it’s not only a symbol of our commitment to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, but an important way to support our veterans today. The Royal Canadian Legion welcomes the support from the City of Toronto to ensure their legacy and sacrifices are never forgotten.”
– Bruce Julian, Royal Canadian Legion Dominion President

“On behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion, District D, we thank the City of Toronto for its ongoing recognition of veterans, in Toronto and across Canada, particularly as we continue rebuild from the pandemic. Our veterans’ contributions to building the society we live in today are immeasurable and we owe them a debt of gratitude, on Remembrance Day and every day.”
– John Dufort, District Commander, Royal Canadian Legion, District D

Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Media Relations