Canadians will observe Remembrance Day on November 11, taking time to honor military personnel, both lost and currently serving. This day is marked by a two-minute silence at 11 a.m. to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the country. In Toronto, a variety of ceremonies will commemorate this significant occasion.
Toronto Remembrance Day Ceremonies
On this solemn day, various ceremonies will take place across Toronto. Here are some of the key events:
- Prospect Cemetery: The 97th annual sunrise service starts at 8 a.m. at 1450 St. Clair Ave. W.
- City of Toronto Ceremonies: Ceremonies will commence at many significant locations. Attendees are urged to arrive by 10:45 a.m. at:
- Cenotaph at Old City Hall (60 Queen St. W.)
- Memorial Gardens at East York Civic Centre (850 Coxwell Ave.)
- Cenotaph at Etobicoke Civic Centre (399 The West Mall)
- York Cemetery Cenotaph, North York (160 Beecroft Rd.)
- Scarborough War Memorial (2190 Kingston Rd.)
- York Civic Centre Cenotaph (2700 Eglinton Ave. W.)
- Fort York National Historic Site: A ceremony will take place at 10:40 a.m. Guided tours focusing on military history will be available.
- Queen’s Park: A ceremony at the Ontario Legislative Building will start at 10:45 a.m.
- Royal Canadian Legion: Multiple branches will host ceremonies across Toronto and beyond.
- RCAF Foundation: A ceremony will occur at 10:40 a.m. at the William G. Barker VC Monument, with a sunset ceremony planned for 4:50 p.m.
- University of Toronto’s Soldiers’ Tower: A Service of Remembrance begins at 10:30 a.m. with a bell recital at 10:10 a.m.
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre: A service at 10:15 a.m. includes a fly-past by the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association.
- Toronto Zoo: A ceremony is set for 10:55 a.m. at the Waterside Theatre, occurring after normal opening hours.
Road Closures for Remembrance Day
Several road closures will take place due to the ceremonies. Notable closures include:
- Old City Hall: Queen St. W. between York St. & Bay St., and Bay St. from Dundas St. W. to Richmond St.
- Queen’s Park: Wellesley St. W. between Queen’s Park Crescent East & West.
What’s Open and Closed on Remembrance Day
While many services are affected, some remain operational:
- Public Transit: TTC and GO Transit will operate on regular schedules. All transit services will pause for two minutes at 11 a.m. to observe the moment of silence.
- Grocery Stores and Pharmacies: Open during regular hours.
- Shopping Malls: Major malls will operate as usual.
In contrast, the following establishments will be closed:
- LCBO and Beer Store will open at noon.
- Canada Post will not deliver mail.
- Major banks will be closed for in-person services.
- Federal government offices will be closed.
Canadians are encouraged to engage in the various Remembrance Day events in Toronto and reflect on the sacrifices made by military personnel throughout history.
