Global Day of Action draws one of Toronto’s largest protests ever

Up to 350,000 people flooded a stretch of Yonge Street in North York on Saturday in what Toronto police described as one of the largest Iran-related demonstrations the city has seen in recent months.

The rally, part of a worldwide Global Day of Action called by exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi, brought major road closures, transit adjustments, and hours of gridlock to the city’s north end — but for the most part, outside of one arrest, the demonstration unfolded peacefully.

It began south of Steeles Avenue shortly after 11 a.m. and moved southbound along Yonge Street toward North York Boulevard near Mel Lastman Square.

Many demonstrators draped themselves in red, white, and green flags emblazoned with a golden lion — the flag Iran used before the Islamic Republic came to power in 1979, toppling the previous monarchy.

They called for an end to government repression in Iran as widespread protests inside the country have been met with violent crackdowns.

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Expecting huge crowds, Toronto police presence stepped up their presence and issued full road closures between Steeles and North York Boulevard for much of the afternoon, with additional restrictions in surrounding areas.

The TTC also adjusted service throughout the afternoon, including detours on the 97 Yonge bus route and controlled access at North York Centre Station. Sheppard Station was recommended as an alternate exit point as the masses moved through the area.

Police had initially warned that attendance levels “may exceed” 200,000.

“200,000 is the estimated number of people attending, and that is a large number, but we’re ready for it,” Const. Viktor Sarudi told CP24 ahead of the march.

However by early afternoon, police later told CP24 that numbers grew to an estimated 350,000 protesters.

Due to the large crowds, it took until shortly before 6 p.m. for roads to once again reopen.

In advance of the march, Toronto police said they expected the rally to remain calm, as they have seen to be consistent with previous Iran-related demonstrations in the city.

On Sunday afternoon, Toronto police called yesterday’s peaceful rally is a “testament to careful planning, close coordination, effective multi‑agency collaboration, and policing excellence on a large scale."

‘Peaceful and largely without incident’

In a post on X on Sunday, the Toronto Police Association extended its sincere thanks to all Toronto Police Service members whose professionalism helped ensure an event of this magnitude was facilitated respectfully and safely.“

“Even with such an enormous crowd, the demonstration remained peaceful and largely without incident,” the union, which represents more than 8,500 uniformed and civilian members of Toronto Police Service, wrote.

Several politicians and dignitaries were in attendance, including Premier Doug Ford, who said in a post on X that he was “honoured” to take part in the rally, “to stand in solidarity with the people of Iran as they fight for peace, freedom and democracy.”

Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill MP Michael Parsa, who was born in Iran, expressed his pride in standing in solidarity with the protesters.

“We stand united with the hope of a better future for all Iranians, and most importantly, a #FreeIran," he wrote in a post on X.

150K previously rallied downtown for Iran

Prior to Saturday’s rally, an estimated 150,000 people attended a major protest two weeks ago at Sankofa Square in Toronto’s downtown core.

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“They have been historically peaceful in the city, and that is what we’re anticipating today,” the constable previously said.

Saturday’s rally in Toronto coincided with other similar protests that took place in major cities around the world.

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With files from CTV’s News Toronto’s Phil Tsekouras and The Canadian Press