City of Toronto marks 2nd anniversary of Yonge Street van attack virtually due to COVID-19

The City of Toronto is commemorating the second anniversary of the Yonge Street van attack virtually amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“It sent a wave of shock through the entire city.

“The Yonge Street tragedy is a moment in time that will never leave our memory. It is a pain that is especially felt by the families of the 10 innocent people who lost their lives to this tragedy, and the 16 equally innocent people who were injured, some left with injuries that will last for the rest of their lives.”

Ten candles were on a table next to Tory, and each candle was lit for the 10 lives that were lost on that day.

“They will be placed in my office window later today, facing Nathan Phillips Square as we do our very best in these unusual circumstances to honour their memory and to grieve with their families and with their loved ones,” Tory said after he read out each of their names.

Sixteen flowers were also put in a vase next to the candles for those injured. Tory also read out their names.

“These flowers too will be placed in my office window later today as we wish the injured continued recovery and good health,” Tory said.

2:16 Tory holds virtual moment of silence for lives lost in Yonge Street tragedy

As part of the virtual commemoration, residents were “respectfully requested” to abide by public health orders about gatherings and were asked to avoid meeting at sites along Yonge Street as well as from leaving flowers or other items.

The flags at Nathan Phillips Square and Mel Lastman Square were lowered to half-mast at 1:30 p.m. to coincide with the time of the attack in 2018. The Toronto sign at Nathan Phillips Square was also be dimmed.

Two North York community groups — We Love Willowdale and the Willowdale Interfaith Coalition — co-hosted a 15-minute virtual vigil Thursday evening.

Participants remembered the victims, recited prayers, read poems, and placed flowers in vases while reading the names of those who died.

“Tonight’s vigil is a time to think of our loved ones, our friends, our neighbours and the coworkers who were devastated on April 23, 2018,” Rev. Leonard Leader said while also extending thoughts to those affected by COVID-19, Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 and the recent shootings in Nova Scotia.

“We are resilient. We will continue to remember and we will get through this again together. May peace reign in our hearts and in our lives.”

Police have alleged Alek Minassian rented a van from Vaughan on April 23 and drove it to the Yonge Street and Finch Avenue area during the lunch hour. He was arrested minutes after the attack began.

The accused later told police during an interview that it was him behind the wheel.

Minassian drove south on Yonge Street and said he deliberately struck pedestrians in an act of “retribution,” discussing how the incel (involuntary celibacy) community fueled his desire to act.

His trial is set to begin later this year.

2:10 Remembering a painful day in Toronto’s recent history