Londoners invited to community events to remember, heal and reclaim
Thursday, June 6, 2024, marks three years since the horrific and devastating act of terrorism that took the lives of four members of Our London Family. In commemoration of their memory, and to support the community in its journey to heal, members of the London Muslim community are hosting several events open to all members of the public.
On Thursday, June 6 from 7:45 to 9 p.m., London's Muslim community will host the Our London Family VIgil at South Carriage Road west of Hyde Park Road. Community leaders and special guests will share words of encouragement and healing during the vigil. All Londoners are invited to participate. Please note this is a standing event. Attendees are welcome to bring chairs. Accessible seating is available.
“On the anniversary of the tragic loss of four members of Our London Family, let us unite in honouring their lives and supporting each other the same way we did three years ago,” said Mayor Josh Morgan. “Hate has no home here. City Council alongside our community partners remain committed to combating hate and Islamophobia in all of its forms here in our city.”
The vigil will require lane reductions and partial road closures. Parking and shuttle bus service is available.
Traffic Impacts: One southbound curb lane will be closed on Hyde Park Road near South Carriage Road on Thursday, June 6 from 11 a.m. to approximately 10 p.m. to accommodate for the vigil. In addition, South Carriage Road will be fully closed from Hyde Park Road to Prince of Wales Gate from 11 a.m. to approximately 10 p.m. on Thursday, June 6. Local residents will have access to the area through Prince of Wales Gate and Gainsborough Road. We understand this may be an inconvenience and appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation.
Parking: Parking will be available at St. John French Immersion Catholic Elementary School (1212 Coronation Drive), the Real Canadian Superstore (1205 Oxford Street) and RONA north location (1335 Fanshawe Road West).
Shuttle Bus: Shuttle buses will do three pick ups at the Real Canadian Superstore and RONA parking lots between 7:30 p.m. and 7:50 p.m. and will drop passengers off on South Carriage Road, east of the intersection between Hyde Park Road and South Carriage Road. Shuttle buses will also pick up passengers east of Hyde Park Road and South Carriage Road on South Carriage Road between 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. and return to the same parking lots.
Be Prepared: Event organizers encourage all attendees to monitor weather conditions and come prepared – with water, sunscreen, hats or an umbrella. In the case of an extreme weather event, Oakridge Secondary School (1040 Oxford Street West) has been secured as an alternative venue for the vigil.
Along with the Our London Family Vigil, there are several other events planned by community partners.
Londoners can show their support by picking up a free Our London Family lawn sign courtesy of the City of London. One free lawn sign per household is available at the following locations while supplies last:
- London City Hall (300 Dufferin Avenue)
- South London Community Centre (1119 Jalna Boulevard)
- Canada Games Aquatic Centre (1045 Wonderland Road North)
- North London Optimist Community Centre (1345 Cheapside Street)
- East Lions Community Centre (1731 Churchill Avenue)
- Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre (656 Elizabeth Street)
From Monday, June 3 to Thursday, June 6, the Our London Family flag will be flown at City Hall, and City Hall and the J. Allyn Taylor Building will be lit up purple and green to honour Our London Family. On Thursday, June 6, the Canadian flag will fly at half mast at City Hall.