Friday, November 11 is Remembrance Day, and although it is not considered a statutory holiday in Ontario, there will be a number of events across Toronto that will pay respects to the Canadians who have served the country during times of war, military conflict, and in peacekeeping.
This year, in-person memorial events will take place throughout the city, and in addition, a livestream of the City of Toronto’s Remembrance Day ceremony at Old City Hall will be available for public viewing.
The City of Toronto’s Remembrance Day Ceremony
The City of Toronto’s official Remembrance Day ceremony will be held on at Old City Hall, 60 Queen Street West, commencing at 10:45 a.m. The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and Mayor John Tory will deliver remarks.
A livestream of the event will be available on the City of Toronto’s YouTube channel.
Civic Remembrance Day Services
Remembrance Day services will be held at various public venues across the city. Services will be held at Scarborough War Memorial (2190 Kingston Road), East York Civic Centre – Memorial Gardens (850 Coxwell Avenue), Meridian Arts Centre – George Weston Recital Hall (5040 Yonge Street), York Civic Centre Cenotaph (2700 Eglinton Avenue West), Etobicoke Civic Centre – Cenotaph (399 The West Mall), and Fort York National Historic Site (Garrison Commons – 100 Garrison Road). All services will commence at 10:45 a.m. with the exception of the ceremony at the Fort York National Historic Site, which will commence at 10:40 a.m.
More information, including the addresses and timings, can be found on the City of Toronto’s website.
Remembrance Day at the Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo will host its 37th Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Waterside Theatre, commencing at 10:55 a.m. The theatre will open at 9:45 a.m. and close at 10:45 a.m. or once capacity is reached. Veterans and the general public are invited to attend.
The Zoo will be offering complimentary admission and parking for veterans in uniform -- or with medals, crests or other military affiliation insignia -- and serving members of the Armed Forces, and police, fire, paramedic, and services. In addition, the Zoo will offer a 50% discount to the general public attending the ceremony.
Complimentary Transit for Veterans and Members of the Canadian Armed Forces
Metrolinx will be offering complimentary travel for veterans and current Canadian Armed Forces on the on GO Transit and UP Express. Family members and companions may also ride for free with documentation. More details can be found on Metrolinx’s blog.
Remembrance Day Road Closures
Due to the various services and ceremonies being held across the city, residents should be aware of the following road closures on November 11 from 10 a.m. to noon. TTC streetcars and buses will be diverted.
- Bay Street, from Albert Street to Richmond Street West
- Local access only to Albert Street from Bay Street southbound
- Queen Street West, from Yonge Street to east of York Street
- James Street, from Queen Street West to Albert Street
Cover photo: City of Toronto
