Toronto Commemorates Veterans' Week with Ceremonies and Exhibits

📅 Today 🏷️ City of Toronto Municipality

The City of Toronto honors Veterans' Week from November 5 to November 11, 2026, recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion with various ceremonies and activities.

On November 5, 2026, the City of Toronto will kick off Veterans' Week, which runs until November 11, to honor the sacrifices of individuals who have served in the Canadian military. This year marks a significant milestone as it coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion. The week will feature a series of ceremonies and events designed to commemorate veterans and active service members, culminating in the traditional Remembrance Day observances on November 11.
The kickoff for the week includes the installation of a poppy on the Toronto Sign located at Nathan Phillips Square. This illuminated poppy serves as a tribute to the Royal Canadian Legion’s National Poppy Campaign, celebrating its centennial. Additionally, the Toronto Sign will be illuminated in red to further signify the remembrance.
From November 5 to November 11, the “Toronto Remembers” exhibit will be on display. This installation showcases panels that highlight significant military and peacekeeping events that have shaped Toronto’s history. In collaboration with Metrolinx, the exhibit will be positioned in the Rotunda at Toronto City Hall as well as along the construction barriers at Queen Street West and Bay Street.
A notable day during Veterans' Week is November 8, designated as Indigenous Veterans Day. Toronto will honor First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and non-status Indigenous veterans who have served in various conflicts. The ceremony will take place at the Spirit Garden in Nathan Phillips Square, featuring traditional remembrance practices including a Sacred Fire led by Young Spiritual Elder Noodjmowin and a Sharing Circle focused on honoring and learning about these veterans. Mayor Olivia Chow will officially proclaim November 8 as Indigenous Veterans Day, with the Toronto Sign illuminated in the four colors of the Medicine Wheel: red, white, yellow, and black.
On November 11, Remembrance Day ceremonies will commence at 10:45 a.m. at multiple locations throughout Toronto, including the Old City Hall Cenotaph at 60 Queen St. W., East York Civic Centre Memorial Gardens at 850 Coxwell Ave., and Fort York National Historic Site at 100 Garrison Rd., among others. The ceremony at Old City Hall will also be streamed live on the City’s YouTube channel, ensuring a broader audience can participate in the commemoration.
To ensure public safety during the Remembrance Day ceremony at Old City Hall, road closures and transit diversions will be implemented. Bay Street will close from Albert Street to Richmond Street West, and Queen Street West will be closed from Bay Street to the east of York Street. Access from the east side of Old City Hall, including Yonge Street and Queen Subway Station, will be restricted due to ongoing construction. Attendees are encouraged to approach from the west and utilize the Osgoode Subway Station on Line 1.
Additionally, on November 11, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) will observe a moment of remembrance, with vehicles halting for two minutes at 11 a.m., where operationally feasible. For further details regarding Remembrance Day events, residents are directed to visit the City’s dedicated Remembrance Day webpage.
Mayor Olivia Chow emphasized the importance of Veterans' Week, stating, “During Veterans’ Week, Torontonians honor the courage, sacrifice and service of those who have served our country. This year, we recognize a century of dedication to supporting veterans and making sure the legacies of those who served are never forgotten by commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion.” She encourages all citizens to participate in the ceremonies, observe moments of silence, wear poppies, or express gratitude through messages of appreciation.
Toronto, as Canada’s largest city with a diverse population of over three million, continues to be a leading economic hub and a vibrant community that values its history and contributions from all its residents. The city consistently ranks highly in international standings due to the collective efforts of its government, businesses, and citizens.

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