The CN Tower’s lights will be dimmed tonight to honour the lives lost in the Yonge Street van attack that took place two years ago, on April 23, 2018.
Ten people died and 16 others were injured in the tragedy.
Between the tower’s nightly top-of-the-hour and bottom-of-the-hour shows, the landmark’s lights will not glow brightly, as they normally do.
The lights of the CN Tower will be dimmed tonight between our top-of-the-hour and bottom-of-the-hour shows, in memory of the victims of the 2018 Toronto van attack. #TorontoStrong
— CN Tower/La Tour CN (@TourCNTower) April 23, 2020
Mayor John Tory spoke this morning, commemorating the attack.
And while Toronto reflects on the tragedy, Tory reminded the city to also stand with the residents of Nova Scotia during this time, who also saw the loss of innocent lives on Sunday.
“This year is especially difficult as we experience the violent loss of life in our sister province Nova Scotia,” Tory said. “Toronto is with you and will continue to support you in any way that we can.”
The mayor noted that the city, country, and world are facing a deadly crisis with the ongoing pandemic, that has already taken lives and threatens many others.
Due to physical distancing measures, a virtual vigil will take place on Thursday at 6 pm, led by community groups We Love Willowdale and Willowdale Interfaith Coalition.
Tory said that the 10 candles representing the lost lives will be in his office window facing Nathan Phillips Square.
The 16 flowers, filled with uniqueness and vibrancy, to honour the victims whose lives were altered from this tragedy will also be placed in my office window tonight as we wish the injured continued recovery and good health. pic.twitter.com/OEqCrDpOFK
— John Tory (@JohnTory) April 23, 2020
Flags at the square as well as flags at Mel Lastman Square at North York Civic Centre will be lowered to half-mast at 1:30 pm for the remainder of the day.
The Toronto Sign will also be dimmed just before sunset so the city can be in solidarity with the grieving families.
“We cannot gather together to support each other during this time, which can make it difficult, but it will not stop us remembering those who lost their lives on April 23, 2018.”
Tory then took a moment of silence to remember the 10 who lost their lives:
- Munir Abdo Habib Najjar
- Chul Min “Eddie” Kang
- Anne Marie D’Amico
- Dorothy Sewell
- Beutis Renuka Amarashingha
- Mary Elizabeth Forsyth
- So He Chung
- Andrea Bradden
- Geraldine Brady
- Ji Hun Kim