Prince Edward Viaduct

Prince Edward Viaduct

The Prince Edward Viaduct opened on October 18, 1918, spanning the Don River. At 494 meters long and reaching a maximum height of 40 meters above the valley floor, it serves as a major east-west bridge in Toronto. Its completion had a significant impact on the city: it spurred development on the east side of the valley, and in 1966, the subway line that opened beneath the road bridge on its second level became a landmark engineering feat of its time.

For a period of time, the Prince Edward Viaduct was also a site marred by tragedy. Before 2003, nearly 500 people chose to end their lives here by suicide. When it was first built, no one foresaw that the viaduct would become a hotspot for suicides, and no suicide prevention measures were put in place. By 1997, an average of one person took their life here every 22 days. It was this ongoing tragedy that prompted the government to consider constructing a suicide barrier. Reportedly, after the barrier — known as the Luminous Veil — was installed, suicides did decrease at this location, only to shift northward to another nearby bridge.

Prince Edward Viaduct

Why Go: One of Canada’s most notorious suicide hotspots

Continent: North America 【North America】

Country/Region: Canada [Canada]

Province/State: Ontario [Ontario]

City: Toronto [Toronto]