Toronto's streets are bracing for a massive gathering as an estimated 200,000 people are expected to descend upon North York for a protest in support of Iran's ongoing uprising. But here's where it gets controversial: the police are warning of 'extreme' delays, and with good reason. The rally, part of a Global Day of Action led by the exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, is set to be one of the largest demonstrations in the city in recent memory.
The march is scheduled to commence at Yonge Street, south of Steeles Avenue, and wind its way south towards North York Boulevard near Mel Lastman Square. Road closures will be in effect along Yonge Street from Steeles to Sheppard Avenue, with full closures between Steeles and North York Boulevard from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The police are urging residents and commuters to steer clear of the area, as attendance is expected to 'exceed' 200,000 people.
'200,000 is the estimated number of people attending, and that is a large number, but we’re ready for it,' Const. Viktor Sarudi assured CP24 on Saturday morning. The police are coordinating closely with organizers and monitoring the march in real-time.
'I actually spoke with the Incident Command Center, and the latest information is that at 12:15 p.m., Yonge and Steeles will be shut down completely, which is when the march is expected to move,' Sarudi said. Although the rally is expected to conclude near North York Boulevard, Sarudi noted that closures could extend further.
'There is road closures in place all the way from Sheppard up to Steeles…we highly encourage people to avoid the area,' he emphasized. But how will parking be affected? Parking is prohibited on Yonge Street from Steeles to Sheppard between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Several adjacent roads will also be restricted to local traffic only during the march.
The TTC is expected to adjust service as needed to manage crowds, including possible staggered station closures. Access to North York Centre Station will be limited due to heavy foot traffic, with Sheppard Station recommended as an alternate exit point. The 97 Yonge bus will be on detour after 11 a.m.
Sarudi said police anticipate the event will remain peaceful. 'We do expect it to be peaceful, and we are ready for it to be peaceful, but these past events, specifically with this type of crowd, they have been historically peaceful and that is what we’re anticipating today,' he noted.
When will the event end? Two weeks ago, police estimated 150,000 people attended a major protest at Sankofa Square in Toronto’s downtown core. With today’s turnout potentially surpassing that number, police say the end time remains uncertain.
'With a number this large, it is really hard to say a specific time things are going to end. What we’re anticipating, a rough estimate is around 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. the rally will be done,' Sarudi said. He also notes it could take longer for crowds to disperse.
'You have to keep in mind it’s not just a rally or the speeches itself, but afterwards for a large crowd like that to leave and make their way safely home,' he said. Officers will remain in the area throughout the day.
And this is the part most people miss: the police are urging everyone to plan ahead and consider alternative routes. With such a large crowd, the impact on traffic and transit will be significant. So, if you're planning to be in the area, it's best to plan ahead and consider alternative routes. Remember, the safety and well-being of everyone involved are paramount.
