A large procession of up to 1,000 members of the Hells Angels is scheduled for the eastern end of the city for a commemorative trip Thursday afternoon.
Yesterday, Toronto police said they had reported an “unpunished event” scheduled to begin around 11 a.m. today.
Police said they expect a large group of between 800 and 1,000 motorcycles to leave Newmarket and head south along Don Valley Parkway before heading east along Lake Shore Boulevard East and then toward 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, “the superintendent Scott Baptiste told reporters on Wednesday.
Baptiste said the meeting is being held in honor of a former unnamed Hells Angel and is separate from the motorcycle club’s national trip scheduled for this weekend in Whitby.
Drivers should expect traffic disruptions on the aforementioned roads from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Traffic delays and road closures are also planned in the area of Carlaw and Eastern Avenues from 11 a.m.
Baptiste said residents in Leslieville can expect a larger police presence this afternoon.
“As with any large meeting in our city, TPS will have visible resources in the area to ensure public safety and minimize disruptions and manage traffic problems,” Baptiste said.
People are advised to check social media to see if there is any news about the procession.
Today’s rally is expected to end at approximately 7 p.m.
With files by Joanna Lavoie from CP24