A grand procession of up to 1,000 Hells Angels members will make its way through the east end of town for a memorial ride Thursday morning.
Yesterday, Toronto police said they were made aware of an “unauthorized event” the motorcycle club is holding today, with a large group of 800 to 1,000 bikers taking part in a procession starting in Newmarket and ending in Toronto.
The ride is in honor of Toronto Hells Angels veteran Donny Peterson, who died at age 74 of natural causes.
“They will be heading from Newmarket to the 404 freeway traveling south towards Toronto. We expect it to be between 9 a. Drive,” York Const Regional Police said. Amy Boudreau told CP24 on Thursday morning.
There will be road closures in the Leslie Street and Davis Drive area until the procession departs for Toronto.
Police are asking Newmarket residents to avoid the area this morning.
“There are going to be delays in the area. Only local traffic with the police will be facilitated. So if you have to go to the area, if you work in the area, again, the police will be in the area to help you get there.” your destination safely,” Boudreau said.
After leaving Newmarket, police said the procession is expected to head south on Don Valley Parkway before heading east on Lake Shore Boulevard East and then north on Carlaw Avenue.
“This procession will inevitably cause traffic disruptions in our city. We are working with other police services, including the OPP and the York Regional Police, to manage traffic and ensure public safety during this procession,” said the Toronto Police Superintendent. Scott Baptiste told reporters on Wednesday.
Drivers should expect traffic disruptions along the aforementioned highways from 11 a.m. to noon and 5 to 6 p.m.
Traffic delays and road closures are also expected in the area of Carlaw and Eastern avenues beginning at 11 a.m.
Baptiste said Leslieville residents can expect an increased police presence this afternoon.
“As with any large gathering in our city, TPS will have visible resources in the area to ensure public safety and minimize disruption and manage traffic issues,” Baptiste said.
People are advised to check social media for updates on the procession.
Today’s meeting is expected to end at approximately 7 pm
This weekend, up to 1,000 members of the Hells Angels are expected to gather for the club’s national motorcycle race in Whitby.
With files from Joanna Lavoie of CP24