Honouring our local Heroes…
The street renaming of Canterbury Place to “Heroes’ Way” in North York was made official this year in a ceremony dedicated to the many first-responders that use this street as they leave their respective buildings to head out on emergency calls, day & night 24/7, keeping our neighbourhood as safe and healthy as humanly possible.
The ceremony kicked off with the arrival of two TPS mounted unit officers greeting the many that were in attendance in front of Mel Lastman Square in the heart of North York. The Clydesdale on the right in this photo was named York. York was born in 2018 and took active duty with the TPS Mounted Unit in 2022. York was ridden by Police Constable Laura Foulds who has been with the Toronto Police Service since 2005, joining the TPS mounted unit in 2020.
One by one they gathered…
Residents, families of the victims, and first-responders slowly gathered on the sidewalk in front of Mel Lastman Square, close to the fountain and temporary memorial for this tragic event.
Remembering the Lives Lost
On April 23, 2018, the city of Toronto was shaken by an horrific attack in which a van was deliberately driven onto the crowded Yonge Street sidewalk, claiming the lives of ten innocent people and injuring many others. The loss was profound, and the impact reverberated throughout the entire city and beyond. Yet, in the aftermath of this dark moment (especially in North York), a light began to shine in the form of compassion, solidarity, and courage.
In the wake of such a tragedy, it can be easy to focus on the negative, to dwell on the darkness. But in North York, the story is one of healing and hope. The renaming of the street stands as a symbol of resilience—a refusal to let tragedy define the community. It tells the world that while bad things may happen, there is always light, always hope, and always good people who rise to the occasion.
Over the years since the attack, there have been tributes and events of remembrance that have helped the community heal. The renaming of Canterbury Place to “Heroes’ Way” is a significant and meaningful addition to that healing process, these new street signs tell the world that this street is all about strength and heroism.
This ceremony was a tribute, not just to the victims, but also to the first-responders, paramedics, police officers, and medical personnel — who rushed to the scene in an act of unwavering courage on that day and every day. It is also a nod to the community members who, without hesitation, sprang into action to help the injured and comfort the grieving.
Local residents have spoken about the importance of this gesture and finding a place for a permanent memorial, noting that it is a way to remind future generations of the bravery displayed that was on display day.
Heros’ Way…
Canterbury Place – Heroes’ Way is a neighbourhood street that hosts Police, Fire and Ambulance, “Heroes’ Way” is now ‘officially’ recognized as the place where Heroes are always at the ready… waiting to help.
Mustard Report was on the scene the day this tragedy occurred. The few images captured that day were graphic in nature – and out of respect they were discarded.
It’s nice to see the ongoing support for the families of the victims and first-responders as Officials strive to find a suitable place for a permanent Memorial.
