A large procession of up to 1,000 members of the Hells Angels arrived in Toronto amid a heavy police presence.
Toronto police said Wednesday they were notified of an “unsanctioned event” held by the motorcycle club on Thursday, with a large group of 800 to 1,000 bikers participating in a procession.
The ride is in honor of longtime member of the Toronto Hells Angels, Donnie Petersen, who died at age 74 of natural causes.
After leaving Newmarket around 11 a.m., the bikers headed south on Don Valley Parkway before heading east on Lake Shore Boulevard East and north on Carlaw Avenue.
The procession ended at around 12pm and hundreds of bikes are now parked outside a Carlaw Avenue storefront believed to be run by the motorcycle club.
Police have closed Carlaw Avenue between Lake Shore Boulevard and Eastern Avenue to accommodate the gathering. The closure is expected to remain until 7 p.m
A command post has also been set up on Commissioners Street and police are urging any members of the community with questions or concerns to contact officers there.
Members of the Hells Angels are seen arriving in Newmarket on Thursday. (Corey Baird)
“This march will inevitably cause traffic disruptions in our city. We are working with other police services, including the OPP and York Regional Police, to manage traffic and ensure public safety during this march,” Toronto Police Chief Scott Baptiste told reporters Wednesday.
The procession in the city center took place amid a heavy police presence.
Police were also on hand at Lakeshore Boulevard at Carlaw Road to direct traffic as the bikers arrived.
Baptiste said Leslieville residents can expect a heavy police presence in the neighborhood Thursday afternoon as well, as it’s unclear when the bikers will leave.
“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,” he said.
People are advised to check social media for updates on the procession.
Today’s rally is expected to end around 7pm
Around 1,000 members of the Hells Angels are expected to gather for the club’s national motorcycle race in Whitby this weekend.
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