Toronto police say they have a “robust” plan to monitor and minimize disruptions to residents, businesses and roadways caused by a Hells Angels memorial ride and gathering in Toronto’s east end on Thursday.
Speaking to the media outside Toronto police headquarters this morning, Superintendent. Scott Baptiste of Traffic Services said they have been made aware of an “unauthorized event” scheduled to begin around 11 am tomorrow.
He said police expect a “huge procession” of 800 to 1,000 motorcyclists, most of whom are Hells Angels members, will set off from Newmarket and head south on Don Valley Parkway before heading east on Lake Shore Boulevard. East, 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 York Regional Police, to control traffic and ensure public safety during this procession,” Baptiste said.
“We have no information to indicate that they intend to do anything other than participate in the memorial walk, followed by the town meeting.”
The Hells Angels have a store at 98 Carlaw Ave., just south of Eastern Avenue.
The downtown branch of the motorcycle club used to have a clubhouse around the corner at 498 Eastern Ave, but the property was seized by the Crown in March 2007 following a series of mass arrests. The 30″ by 120″ lot was sold in early 2016.
Baptiste said tomorrow’s meeting, which is being held in honor of an unnamed former Hells Angel and is separate from the club’s national race scheduled for this weekend in the Whitby area, is expected to finish around 5 pm
As a result, he said drivers should expect traffic disruptions along the aforementioned highways from 11 a.m. to noon and 5 to 6 p.m. Baptiste said traffic delays and road closures will also occur in the Carlaw and Eastern Avenue area beginning at 11 am and continuing throughout the afternoon.
People in the Leslieville area can expect to see an increased police presence overall Thursday afternoon as the 55th Division sets up a command post nearby.
“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.
This weekend, up to 1,000 Hells Angels are expected to ride their bikes through Whitby for the club’s national motorcycle race.
Durham Regional Police held a news conference on Monday to “ensure our community is aware and providing accurate information.”
Officials said they expect the three-day event to go “without incident.”
“If you see a large group of motorcycles, ban the bikers from the club, do not interact, keep your distance. Try to stay out of the motorcycle line and stay safe,” OPP Det/Insp. Scott Wade said.
The annual meeting is organized by the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club chapter based in Brooklyn, north of Whitby, and will host the 2022 Canada Run from July 22-24.
People should also expect to see an increased police presence in that area during the motorcycle race.
-with archives by Phil Tsekouras