Toronto road closures and service changes planned for Remembrance Day

TORONTO — The City of Toronto is preparing to mark Remembrance Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11, with a series of official ceremonies honouring soldiers who died in military service, veterans and current members of the Armed Forces.

The city will see temporary traffic closures downtown, changes to some transit and government services, and commemorative events at several locations.

Two minutes of silence will be observed at 11 a.m., marking the end of fighting in the First World War on Nov. 11, 1918. Most official ceremonies begin at 10:45 a.m.

Main Remembrance Day ceremonies in Toronto

Events begin early, at 8 a.m., with the 98th annual ceremony at Prospect Cemetery, at 1450 St. Clair Avenue West.

The University of Toronto will hold a ceremony at Soldiers' Tower at 10:30 a.m. on its main downtown campus.

Events at Fort York National Historic Site begin at 10:40 a.m.

Other ceremonies start at 10:45 a.m. in front of Old City Hall and at the civic centres in Etobicoke, East York, North York, Scarborough and York.

The Government of Ontario will also hold a ceremony at the Legislative Building at Queen's Park at the same time. The Old City Hall and Legislature ceremonies can be watched live online.

Main downtown streets to close

Toronto Police announced that traffic closures will begin at about 10 a.m. on Wednesday to secure those taking part in the ceremonies.

The measures include closing Queen Street West between York and Bay streets, with local access allowed to the parking garage under City Hall.

Bay Street will also be closed between Dundas Street West and Richmond Street West, with limited local traffic allowed from the Dundas side.

In the Queen's Park area, Wellesley Street West will be closed between the east and west sides of Queen's Park Crescent.

Police warned of possible traffic delays and urged drivers to use alternate routes. The ceremonies will go ahead regardless of the weather.

The city also said ongoing construction restricts access to the Old City Hall site from the east, so attendees are encouraged to arrive from the west and use Osgoode subway station.

TTC vehicles to stop for two minutes

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) said its vehicles will stop for two minutes at 11 a.m., where operating conditions allow, to take part in the national moment of silence.

Current military members and veterans can ride the TTC free, with one companion, by showing military identification, medals or badges that prove their eligibility.

Metrolinx also offers free travel to veterans and current military members, with one companion, on GO Transit and the UP Express.

Free travel also extends to family members of deceased service members, subject to proof-of-relationship requirements set by the operator.

Which services will be closed?

Announced service changes for Wednesday include the suspension of mail delivery and pickup by Canada Post and the closure of major bank branches to in-person transactions, while ATMs will remain available.

Federal government offices and their usual in-person services will also be closed.

LCBO and Beer Store locations will remain closed in the morning and open at noon, according to the published Remembrance Day schedule.

It should not be assumed that all local stores or businesses will be closed, as operating arrangements vary by type of business and operator.

Toronto Zoo offers special discounts

The Toronto Zoo is taking part with a remembrance ceremony at 10:55 a.m. at the Waterside Theatre.

The zoo announced free admission and parking for eligible veterans, military members, police officers, firefighters and paramedics, along with a 50 per cent discount for members of the public who attend the ceremony.

This year's observances coincide with the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Canadian Legion, which helps organize events honouring veterans.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow called on residents to attend the ceremonies, wear a red poppy or observe two minutes of silence in recognition of the sacrifices of those who have served Canada.

Authorities advise residents to plan their travel early on Wednesday, Nov. 11, especially in downtown Toronto, and to check transit updates and closures before leaving.