The City of Toronto and Danforth community invite all Torontonians to ceremonies on July 21 and 22 remembering those who lost their lives and recognizing those injured during the July 22, 2018 shooting on Danforth Ave.
Commemorative Ceremony
Date: Sunday, July 21
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: northeast corner of Withrow Park, 725 Logan Ave.
The half-hour ceremony, led by Toronto Police Services Chaplain Rev. Wendell Gibbs, will include:
• a choral presentation from the Interfaith Choir from the Faith Community on the Danforth
• a reading of the names of the deceased and placement of flowers in remembrance
• a moment of silence
• placement of flowers to wish the injured well in their continued recovery
• a reading of a statement from the Faith Community on the Danforth
• a reading of an original poem by City of Toronto Poet Laureate Al Moritz
• singing of O Canada
As this event is a solemn commemoration, media and members of the public are asked to respect the privacy of those impacted by the shooting. The City of Toronto Community Safety & Wellbeing Unit, Victim Services Toronto and St. John’s Ambulance, including therapy dogs, will be available in the park for those who may require emotional support or resources.
The ceremony will take place outdoors. Those wishing to attend are reminded to check the weather and prepare for the conditions, including bringing an umbrella for rain or hats and water for hot weather. A City of Toronto water truck will be in the park and a small selection of refreshments will be provided by the Broadview Danforth BIA while supplies last.
There is limited parking surrounding the park. Before and during the commemorative activities, the Toronto Police Service will be establishing road restrictions as well as making some changes to on-street parking in the area. For those considering transit, Withrow Park is approximately a 10-minute walk from TTC Line 2 Chester or Pape Stations, the 504 streetcar stop at Broadview Ave. at Withrow Ave., and the 506 streetcar stop at Gerrard St. E. at Logan Ave.
Parking for media broadcast trucks will be available in the paved yard of Holy Name Catholic School, 690 Carlaw Ave. Members of the media are asked to make sure they are easily identifiable as media. A pool feed and riser will be set up facing the ceremony stage behind seating for victims, families, first responders and dignitaries.
Community Vigil
Date: Monday, July 22
Time: sunset (8:51 p.m.)
Location: Alexander the Great Parkette, northeast corner of Logan Ave. and Danforth Ave.
The sunset vigil will consist of:
• a reading of the names of the deceased and injured
• the ringing of St. Barnabas’ church bells
• a moment of silence
• a choral presentation from the Interfaith Choir from the Faith Community on the Danforth
The City of Toronto Community Safety & Wellbeing staff will be at the event to provide assistance to those who may require emotional support or resources. As the vigil is outside, those wishing to attend are reminded to check the weather and prepare for the conditions, including bringing an umbrella in the event of rain. Attendees are invited to bring candles.
Please note there is limited parking surrounding the parkette and temporary road closures along Logan Ave. and Danforth Ave. will be in effect. Toronto Police Service will be on-site establishing road restrictions as well as making some changes to on-street parking in the area.
Limited parking for media broadcast trucks will be available in the evening on the north side of Danforth Ave. to the west of Logan Ave. Members of the media are asked to make sure they are easily identifiable as media.
An interfaith statement from the Danforth faith community was issued on July 17, 2019 and is available here: https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/awards-tributes/tributes/commemoration-of-the-danforth-tragedy/.
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