Local politicians joined first responders on Saturday morning to unveil commemorative “Heroes’ Way” street signs, a tribute to those who responded to and investigated the 2018 Yonge Street van attack.
Mayor Olivia Chow and Coun. Lily Cheng (Willowdale) were among those who attended the ceremonial Canterbury Place naming event at .
The event brought up “a lot of emotions,” for Cheng, she said with a deep breath.Ìý
Ten people were killed and 16 injured. But amidst the horror were the helpers — those who ran to
“I think it’s a long time coming,” Cheng added. “It’s a very meaningful moment.”
On April 23, 2018, Alek Minassian drove a white van down more than two kilometres of sidewalk along Yonge Street between Finch and Sheppard Avenues, killing 11 people. The incident marked the city’s largest mass killing, and MinassianÌýwas sentenced to life in prison in 2022.
During aÌýcity council meeting on the seven-year anniversaryÌýof the attack on Wednesday, Chow said the “horrific, deliberate act of hateful violence†left a lasting impact on the first responders, bystanders and surrounding community.
“These were beloved members of our community whose lives were cut short by this senseless violence,†Chow said.Ìý“Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones, today and every day we remember them.â€
Mayor Olivia Chow and Councillor Lily Cheng (Willowdale) were among those who attended the event at Mel Lastman Square.
Andrew Francis Wallace/ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ StarChow pointed to the efforts of officer Ken Lam, who confronted and arrestedÌýMinassian minutes after the first 911 call.Ìý
“We honour his heroic efforts that day and those of all the nearly 2,000 first responders and personnel involved in the aftermath and investigation … These are civil servants who did tough work and we are very, very grateful for their service.â€
Cheng said there are plans for a permanent memorial at Olive Square Park — where community members laid flowers and grieved in the wake of the attack —Ìýthat she hopes can be a space for “remembrance, reflection and healing.”
A design contest for that memorial will be launched later this year, she said.
“There’s so much negativity in the news, but this really highlights that in a tragic moment ... ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ the Good emerged,” Cheng said ofÌýhow the city came together in moments after the tragedy.
“In a moment of darkness, it really shined a light on our city.”
With files from Anastasia Blosser
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