June 6, 2023 marks two years since the horrific act of violence that took the lives of four members of Our London Family. To honour them, and to support the community in its journey to heal, members of the London Muslim community are hosting a number of events.
Additionally, City of London flags will fly at half mast in honour of Our London Family. From June 7 to 11, 2023, the Our London Family flag will be flown at City Hall. On June 6, 2023, City Hall and the the JA Taylor building at Wellington and Dundas will be lit up purple and green.
“Combatting hate of any kind takes courage, leadership and the ability to get up, and keep going everyday. The resilience shown by the members of London’s Muslim community is nothing short of remarkable,” says London Mayor Josh Morgan. “The events to honour and remember Our London Family over the next few weeks demonstrates the ongoing support and healing happening in our community.”
On Tuesday, June 6 at 6:30 p.m., the Youth Coalition Combatting Islamophobia (YCCI) will host Our London Family Vigil at the Memorial Plaza at the corner of Hyde Park Road and South Carriage Road. Members of the YCCI, as well as community leaders and special guests, will share words of encouragement and healing. All Londoners are invited to participate.
The vigil will require lane reductions and partial road closures. Parking and shuttle bus service is available.
Traffic Impacts: Hyde Park Road from Sarnia Road to Gainsborough Road will be closed in both directions starting at 4 p.m. The corner of Hyde Park Road and South Carriage Road will be fully closed as of 8 a.m. on June 6. The Corner of Gainsborough Road and Prince Wales Gate will be open to local residents only after 3 p.m. We understand this may be an inconvenience and we appreciate your patience and cooperation.
Parking: There is parking available at the Real Canadian Superstore at 1205 Oxford Street (Hyde Park & Oxford) and Lowe’s North Location at 1335 Fanshawe Road West (Hyde Park & Fanshawe). Please use the lots further away from the doors.
Shuttle Bus: Shuttle buses will do three pick ups at the Real Canadian Superstore and Lowe’s parking lots between 6:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. and will drop passengers off close to the intersection of Hyde Park and South Carriage Road. Shuttle buses will also pick up passengers at the intersection of Hyde Park and South Carriage Road between 9 p.m. and 10 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.
Along with the Our London Family Vigil, there are several other events planned, including: a tree planting, several speaker series and community workshops on disrupting Islamophobia. For full details on all events planned to honour Our London Family, visit www.london.ca/ourlondonfamily