#TorontoStrong: A weekend that will bring the city together

It has been an emotional and traumatic time for our city. This weekend, let us try to start the healing process by going back into the community and taking back the spirit that was lost. Several events are taking place, including a vigil that will bring us together in strength and solidarity. Have a safe weekend, everyone.

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Events

#TorontoStrong vigil
This Sunday, the city is holding a vigil to remember the victims of Monday’s van attack. Over the past week, memorials and moments of silence were held across the city and around the country, including a growing memorial at Olive Square — just steps away from where the horrific attack happened along a stretch of Yonge Street in North York. And now, the city will come together again for the #TorontoStrong vigil, which is taking place at Mel Lastman Square at 7 p.m. The vigil in being organized in partnership with Faith in the City, and the Toronto Area Interfaith Council. Earlier this week, the city set up the #TorontoStrong Fund to help the victims and their families, first responders, and those affected by the trauma.

Ahead of the vigil, a walk will be held along that section of Yonge, in an effort to help heal and show support for victims and those traumatized by the attack. “Let’s link arms and reclaim our our sense of safety and community,” the group writes on Facebook. Organizers plan to meet at 5:30 p.m. on the north side at Olive Square and on the south side at Albert Standing Park. Both groups will then converge at Mel Lastman Square.

The best in documentaries
Over the past 25 years, Hot Docs has been showcasing the best in documentary films, and that tradition continues this year. From now until May 6, the festival will showcase 247 films and 16 other projects from 56 countries. Some of the documentaries include The Heat: A Kitchen (R)evolution, which delves into the kitchens of the world’ top women chefs; Active Measures, an investigative look into Russia’s alleged involvement in the 2016 U.S. presidential election; The Blue Wall, which is about the police killing of an unarmed black teen in Chicago; and a free screening of The Trolley, detailing how the streetcar changed public transit around the world. The festival will also include films that were screened in its first year: The War Room, which is about the campaign strategists that shaped Bill Clinton’s run for the White House in 1992; and a recount of the 1990 Oka Crisis in Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance.

Khalsa Day reflection and parade
Sikhs from across the GTA and beyond, as well as politicians and other dignitaries, will be taking part in the 40th annual Khalsa Day celebration on Sunday to mark Vaisakhi, the Sikh New Year. The event starts at 9 a.m. at the Enercare Centre on CNE grounds with prayers, hymns, traditional music, and food served from a communal kitchen. It will be followed by a colourful parade that will make its way to Nathan Phillips Square. The parade starts just after 1 p.m. and will travel east on Lakeshore Boulevard to York Street, and then onto University Avenue. The festivities will continue at the square until 5:30 p.m. During the day-long event, prayers will be offered for the victims of this week’s van attack in North York and the Humboldt Broncos bus crash in Saskatchewan.

Canada’s Wonderland opens for new season
You know that summer is around the corner when Canada’s Wonderland opens for a new season. On Sunday, amusement ride enthusiasts and their families will descend on the park to soak in all the fun. Aside from the existing fan favourites, the two new attractions include Lumberjack, which takes riders 360 degrees in the air on two swinging ‘axe’ pendulums, and Flying Canoe, an interactive family ride that lets you control the journey. Some of the other highlights include food and street festivals, and a month-long celebration for Canada Day.

Walk for Muscular Dystrophy
Forget the boots and lace up your sneakers for a walk that is being held Saturday in support of those who are living with neuromuscular disorders. The walk takes place on different dates in more than 45 cities across Canada. The walk on Saturday is being held in North York at Earl Bales Bark. Participants can choose between one-kilometre and five-kilometre routes. The event also includes children’s activities, snacks, refreshments, and prizes.

Road closures

Allen Road partial closure
Drivers who need to use Allen Road this weekend will have to divert around a closure. Allen is scheduled to be partially closed in both directions between Sheppard Avenue West to Highway 401 from 11 p.m. on Friday to 5 a.m. to Monday. Road crews will be completing spring maintenance tasks. During the shutdown, drivers can use Dufferin and Bathurst streets.

The Bum Run
Lane restrictions will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Sunday in the area bounded by Bloor Street, Spadina Avenue, College Street and Bay Street for the event that raises money and awareness for colon cancer. Queen’s Park Crescent will also be closed from College to Bloor.

Khalsa Day
The southbound and northbound curb lanes of University Avenue will be closed 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday for the Khalsa Day Parade.