Road closures, increased police presence expected for weekend Walk with Israel
Toronto police say they are ‘aware of plans by some individuals to interfere' with event
Torontonians should expect an increased police presence and road closures around the United Jewish Appeal's annual Walk with Israel event this weekend, police say.
The 3.9-kilometre walk and festival at Sherman Campus is happening from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with road closures in effect from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Roads will be closed at Wilson Avenue and Avenue Road, west on Wilson Avenue to Bathurst Street and north on Bathurst to Finch Avenue West, police say. Vehicle access on Bathurst Street and Wilson Avenue will be limited, with traffic on side streets only.
In a statement Friday, Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue said police are "aware of plans by some individuals to interfere with the event.
"We continue to uphold the right to peaceful assembly and expression," the statement reads. "But intimidation, harassment, hate speech, or criminal behaviour will not be tolerated. Anyone engaging in criminal activity can expect to be arrested."
Toronto police officers will have a "strong presence" at the event, Pogue said, alongside police from York, Durham, Peel, and the OPP.
The deputy chief also said there will be a "designated area" for protest in an effort to "reduce tensions and help avoid confrontations."
"We encourage open communication between organizers, demonstrators and police throughout the day," she said.