Toronto opens 'Heroes' Way' to commemorate 2018 North York van attack

A street in North York is taking on a new name in tribute to the people who rushed in to help during the fatal van attack that took place on Yonge Street in 2018.

At a ceremony at Mel Lastman Square in North York Saturday morning, the city replaced street signs on Canterbury Place, temporarily renaming it "Heroes' Way."

"Your work prevented more deaths, rescued the injured, and brought comfort to countless others," said Mayor Olivia Chow at Saturday's ceremony. 

The street is near the police and fire stations that responded on the day of the attack.

The commemoration comes days after the seventh anniversary of the attack, the deadliest mass killing in the city's history that took the lives of 10 people, mostly women. 

Another woman died more than three years later from injuries suffered that day.

"It may feel like seven years for many people in this community, but not to the families. They still feel that empty space at their dinner table and we extend our sympathies," said Willowdale Coun. Lily Cheng. 

The ceremony at Mel Lastman Square began with remarks from Chow and Cheng, who read the names of the victims aloud before a moment of silence. 

Cheng said she remembered the day of the attack as a joyful spring day that was torn apart by violence. 

"But even in that dark moment, we saw the light of Toronto the good and Toronto the brave," she said, referring to the first responders and bystanders who rushed to help those injured in the attack. 

"In the face of horror, the light of our community emerged."

A permanent memorial to honour the victims of the attack is in the works for Olive Square Park, the place where people gathered in the wake of the tragedy, Cheng said. 

"And so it is fitting that it is now been chosen as the location for the permanent memorial," she said.