U of T community invited to participate in Sunday's vigil for victims of van attack

The University of Toronto plans to join other community groups at Sunday night’s vigil to support victims of this week’s devastating attack – a tragedy that has deeply impacted members of the U of T community.

Current and former students, faculty and staff on all three campuses are invited to meet at Olive Square Park, near Yonge Street and Finch Avenue – look for U of T signs at the meeting location – beginning at 5:30 p.m. 

The plan is to walk together down Yonge Street to Mel Lastman Square, where the City of Toronto is hosting a #TorontoStrong vigil scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

“Yesterday we received the heartbreaking news that one of our students has died as a result of the van attack in our city on Monday,” U of T President Meric Gertler said in a statement Friday. 

“Since then, we have been closely monitoring reports that other members of the U of T community were among those most directly affected in this terrible incident.”

Ten people were killed and another 15 injured on Monday when the driver of a rental van sped down the sidewalk on a busy stretch of Yonge Street near Finch Avenue – the heart of a vibrant community. A 25-year-old man has been charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder and 15 counts of attempted murder.

The scene of the attack is already home to a makeshift memorial, which has drawn people from across the city, including from U of T.

“Many members of the University community are grieving, because of their personal connections to the individuals involved or to the neighbourhood in which this shocking event took place,” said President Gertler, adding that the university is here to offer support. 

For those seeking help, the university’s Health & Wellness Centre provides a list of resources for students. For faculty and staff, the HR & Equity department provides a list of resources.

Sunday’s vigil, open to all members of the public, will be hosted in collaboration with community groups Faith in the City and the Toronto Area Interfaith Council, according to the city’s website.

All attendees are encouraged by the city to take public transit as there will be limited parking and road closures in the area.