Our BIA has been contacted by the police regarding potential safety concerns during tomorrow's planned protest. Please be vigilant and aware. Here is a joint statement from the local councillors:

Joint Statement by Councillors Kristyn Wong-Tam and Joe Cressy about the Planned Protests on September 28 in the St. Lawrence Market area This Saturday several groups are coordinating to march up Church Street from The Esplanade to Davenport Road, right through the heart of the Village, Canada’s largest LGBTQ2S+ community. Expected participants include radical right provocateurs, Islamophobic organizations, white supremacists, and self-proclaimed Christian activists who have disrupted past Pride events. Toronto Police have been monitoring activities closely and are certain that all possible precautions are being taken to prevent violence anywhere on Church Street and to keep the Village and St Lawrence neighbourhood safe. Those living and visiting the St. Lawrence Market area can expect some disruptions on Saturday, as the Toronto Police may close lanes and redirect traffic to ensure public safety at Church Street and The Esplanade starting before the noon hour. While some individuals may try to instigate conflict, everyone is encouraged to stay safe, avoid violence, and allow the police to handle anyone breaking the law or threatening harm. Councillor Wong-Tam will be joining over twenty faith leaders, including Reverend Jeff Rock, Reverend Cheri DiNovo, and Reverend Alexa Gilmour at Barbara Hall Park at 11:30 am on Saturday, September 28 to stand with the community and our allies to rally and Unite for Love. We are gathering in partnership with progressive and vibrant organizational partners such as the Church-Wellesley Neighbourhood Association, Church-Wellesley Village BIA, The 519, Metropolitan United Church, Trinity-St Paul’s United Church, Windermere United Church and many, many more. Facebook event here. For the first time in Canadian history, these faith leaders will not only celebrate the LGBTQ2S+ community but also collectively and openly condemn homophobia, transphobia, and Islamophobia. They will apologize and acknowledge the historic harm that has been done to the LGBTQ2S+ community by organized religion. This event will welcome people of all ages, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, faith traditions, abilities, countries of origin, political beliefs etc in supporting the LGBTQ2+ community. Residents are encouraged to share this statement with their neighbours and to contact the Offices of Councillors Wong-Tam and Cressy for more information. www.kristynwongtam.ca and www.joecressy.com