Toronto police said Wednesday they were made aware of an “unsanctioned event” held by the motorcycle club on Thursday, with a large group of 800 to 1,000 motorcyclists participating in a march.
The ride is in honor of longtime Toronto Hells Angels member Donny Petersen, who died at the age of 74 of natural causes.
After leaving Newmarket around 11 a.m., the motorcycle riders headed south on Don Valley Parkway before heading east on Lake Shore Boulevard East and north on Carlaw Avenue.
The procession ended at around 12 noon and hundreds of bikes are now parked outside a storefront in Carlaw Avenue believed to be run by the motorcycle club.
Police shut down Carlaw Avenue between Lake Shore Boulevard and Eastern Avenue to accommodate the rally.  The closure is expected to remain in place until 7pm
A command post has also been set up on Epitropon Street and police are urging anyone in the community with questions or concerns to approach officers there.
Members of the Hells Angels are seen arriving in Newmarket on Thursday.  (Corey Baird) 
“This procession will inevitably cause traffic disruptions in our city. We are working with other police agencies, including the OPP and York Regional Police, to manage traffic and ensure public safety during this procession,” he said Toronto police constable Scott Baptiste told reporters.  on Wednesday. 
The march in the city center took place against the backdrop of a large police presence.
Police were also on hand at Lakeshore Avenue at Carlaw Street to direct traffic as the motorcycle riders arrived.
Baptiste said residents in Leslieville can expect an increased police presence in the neighborhood Thursday afternoon as well, as it’s unclear when the motorcycle riders will leave.
“As with any large gathering in our city, TPS will have visible resources in the area to ensure public safety and minimize disruption and manage traffic issues,” he said.  
People are advised to check social media for any updates on the procession.
Today’s rally is expected to end around 7pm
This weekend, around 1,000 members of the Hells Angels are expected to gather for the club’s national motorcade in Whitby.