Speaking to the media outside Toronto police headquarters late this morning, Supt.  Scott Baptiste, of Traffic Services, said they were made aware of an “unsanctioned event” scheduled to start at around 11am tomorrow.
He said police expect a “grand procession” of 800 to 1,000 bikers, most of whom are members of the Hells Angels, will leave Newmarket and head south on Don Valley Parkway before heading east on Lake Shore Boulevard East and then north to Carlaw.  Avenue.
“This course will inevitably cause traffic disruption 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,” Baptiste said.
“We have no information to indicate that they intend to do anything other than attend the memorial service, followed by the rally in the city.”
The Hells Angels have a storefront at 98 Carlaw Avenue, just south of Eastern Avenue.
The downtown branch of the motorcycle club had a clubhouse right around the corner at 498 Eastern Ave, but that property was seized by the Crown in March 2007 after a series of mass arrests.  The 30″ by 120″ lot sold in early 2016.
Baptiste said tomorrow’s rally, which is being held in honor of an unnamed former Hells Angel and is separate from the club’s national ride this weekend in the Whitby area, is expected to finish around 5pm.
As a result, he said motorists should expect traffic disruptions on the aforementioned roads from 11am to 6pm and from 5pm to 6pm.  all afternoon.
People in the Leslieville area can expect to see an overall increased police presence Thursday evening as 55 Division will set up a command post nearby.
“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,” Baptiste said.
People are advised to check social media for updates.
This weekend, up to 1,000 Hells Angels are expected to ride their bikes through Whitby for the club’s national bike ride.
Durham Regional Police held a press conference on Monday to “make sure our community is aware and provided accurate information.”
Officials said they hoped the three-day event would be “indifferent”.
“If you see a large group of motorcycles, illegal motorcycle club riders, do not interact, keep your distance.  Try to stay out of the line of the motorcycles and be safe,” OPP Det/Insp.  Scott Wade said.
The annual meet is hosted by the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club chapter based in Brooklyn, north of Whitby, and runs from July 22-24.
People should also expect to see an increased police presence in this area during the motorcycle ride.
-with files from Phil Cekura