The City of Toronto will conduct its annual traditional and prescribed burn tomorrow in designated areas of High Park, as current forecasts indicate optimal weather conditions for this activity. For members of the media, a technical briefing will take place at 9:45 a.m. prior to the start of the burn. The burn is scheduled to take place from approximately 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 9
Technical brief time: 9:45 a.m.
Location: Grenadier Cafe parking lot, 200 Parkside Dr., High Park
Access: Media vehicles can only enter and exit the park from 8:15 to 11:45 a.m. from the Parkside Drive and High Park Boulevard entrance. Members of the media must show their credentials for entry into the park and have their flashers on while driving through the park.
Note: The onsite media contact is Nitish Bissonauth (Nitish.Bissonauth@toronto.ca)
A ceremony and smudge led by Indigenous Elder Vivian Recollet will take place before the technical briefing. No photographs or filming will be permitted during this time to respect the sacredness of the opening ceremony and smudge.
Following the ceremony and smudge, City staff will provide an overview of plans for the burn and safety considerations for those in attendance. There will be an opportunity for media photography and filming during the briefing and after the start of the burn. There will be drumming and dancing prior to ignition which can be filmed and photographed from a safe distance.
Detailed information about the traditional and prescribed burn and restrictions are available on the City’s website.
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