Take Back the Night 2024 will be in Unity Park, an open, grassy park with paved paths. We will be rallying at the gazebo (centre of the park near Pugsley Ave) and marching on the sidewalks of Pugsley Ave, , Major Mackenzie, Yonge St., and Centre St. before returning to the gazebo. Our committee is working hard to make this year’s TBTN as accessible as possible. If you have any accessibility concerns or questions not addressed on this page, we would love to hear from you. You can send us an email or give us a call at (905) 895-3646.
Audio
Speakers and music will be amplified through loudspeakers at the bandshell or megaphones during the march. There will be an area reserved for accessible viewing in front of the stage, closer to the loudspeakers than other seating.
Marching
We will start at the Gazebo in Unity Park and make our way south on Pugsley Ave. towards Major Mackenzie Dr., turn right on Major Mackenzie Dr., turn right on Yonge St., turn right on Centre St., and return to the Gazebo. Marchers using mobility aids or walking at a slower pace are encouraged to join near the front of the march to help us keep a slow, accessible pace! For those who cannot walk the full route, an alternate route is available by making a right onto Lorne Ave. (which turns into Vern Dynes Way).
Parking
There is Public Parking on Vern Dynes Way, behind Elgin Barrow Community Centre, and is directly across the street from Unity Park on the West Side of Pugsley Ave. There is also street parking on the residential roads in the surrounding area.
Pathways
The pathways through the park are wide and made of small patio stones. There is a larger paved area in front of the bandshell that is accessed from the pathway behind the bandshell structure (where there will be an area reserved for accessible viewing). There are paved paths connecting the bandshell, parking/sidewalk, and washrooms, though they are sometimes the longer route.
Seating and Viewing
Unfortunately, there are not many benches in the area. There are mini-bleachers facing the Gazebo, but we encourage all participants to bring their own lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on.
Washrooms
There are no public washrooms on site at Unity Park, however, folks can use the washrooms in Elgin Barrow Arena which is approx a 400m walk.
What to Expect
We will be meeting at the Aurora Town Park’s bandshell (open-air covered stage building). We will start by gathering in the park. During this time, music will be playing through loudspeakers and community resource booths will be set up on the grass where attendees can learn about local organizations and resources in the gender-based violence sector. The rally will then start with a welcome from our emcees before we all head out to march (see route above or in the FAQ ). We will march on sidewalks and as a group. Some attendees will have posters and signs (either made themselves, at our sign-making event , or from our collection). Volunteers and committee members will lead the crowd in protest chants with megaphones and/or by yelling. After the march, we will take some time to settle back into the park at the bandshell. Then, we will continue the rally with survivor speakers, performers, and end with a candlelight vigil. For more details on the agenda for Take Back the Night, see our frequently asked questions page.
