PARTY TIME!
Whether they travelled 3,000 kilometres or three blocks, Raptors fans set to pack city streets for victory parade
What if he’s just dreaming? Wayne Carrasco is worried.
“It’s a coma. It has to be a coma. This isn’t real,” said the lifelong Raptors fan.
Carrasco flew more than 3,000 kilometres from Prince George, B.C., to camp out at Nathan Phillips Square ahead of Monday’s championship parade, which starts at Exhibition Place at 10 a.m. and finishes with a rally — in fan speak, a party — in front of city hall.
The GTA native, who moved to Prince George five years ago, says it seemed like half the passengers on his plane from B.C. were Raptors fans.
“Every time someone walked on the plane with Raptors gear, everyone started cheering and going nuts,” Carrasco said. Then the plane landed, and the flight attendant came on the intercom. “Welcome to Toronto, home of the NBA champions,” they heard her say.
“The whole plane erupted. I never thought in my wildest dreams this would actually happen.”
Nathan Phillips Square was steadily filling with fans Sunday night. They came with camping chairs and snacks, prepared to wait all night to stake out a spot directly in front of the main stage. City spokesperson Brad Ross tweeted that tents were not permitted, and to leave large items, including chairs and coolers, at home.
Dexter Jones of Brampton was fine with that. He pointed at his backpack.
“I’ve got my PJs. They can’t take away my PJs,” Jones said. “I’ve got coconut water, which is one of the best hydrating things.”
Other fans wandered around the square basking in the celebration and June sunlight, but not planning to stay overnight.
“Who’s the king of the North?” Erle Kirby asked his 4 year-old daughter, Dawn. “Kawhi!” she said. “Raptors, Raptors,” chanted his 2-year-old daughter, Irene, as her mother, Renee Kirby, took a picture. (Their 4month-old daughter, Tara, had no comment.)
Earlier on Sunday, Mayor John Tory proclaimed Monday as “We The North Day.” “WHEREAS the Toronto Raptors captured the hearts of Toronto residents and had fans cheering as the team won the 2019 National Basketball Association (NBA) championship,” the official proclamation states.
“This momentous win is the first league title in franchise history and the first time that the Larry O’Brien trophy will come north of the border to Canada.”
Unfortunately for some, the declaration will not result in a public holiday. Morteza Hashimi, a 25-year-old mechanic from Toronto, arrived late Saturday night with three friends.
Hashimi was able to take Monday off work, but his friends weren’t as lucky — so they wore glasses with fake noses to avoid being identified by their bosses.
Hashimi said he expected that seeing the team in the parade would make him emotional.
“Growing up watching them play and finally getting to witness something amazing like this, so there’s gonna be so (many emotions),” he said.
He’s was looking forward to seeing Drake and — although he called it a long shot — was also hoping DeMar DeRozan and Vince Carter might stop by.
Tory said there would be a stage and entertainment set up at Nathan Phillips Square, but was noncommittal on whether Drake or any other celebrities would be present.
The parade will depart from the Princes’ Gates at Exhibition Place at 10 a.m., heading east on Lake Shore Blvd., then north on York St. and University Ave. to Queen St. W., before ending at Nathan Phillips Square for a celebration rally from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Coronation Park, near Exhibition Place, will host a viewing party from10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
At around 12:30 p.m., the Canadian Snowbirds will perform a flyover of the square, the Royal Canadian Air Force tweeted.
Metrolinx advised customers to avoid travelling during the morning or afternoon rush hours if possible as trains and platforms will be busier than normal.
Expecting “significant delays,” the city of Toronto has also urged those travelling to consider using public transit, cycling, walking or taking a taxi or other ride service.
The city says full road closures and restrictions will be in effect starting as early as 9 a.m. Monday:
Bay St. will be fully closed between Dundas St. W. and Richmond St. W.
Queen St. W. will be fully closed between Yonge St. and University Ave.
Chestnut and Elizabeth Sts. will be fully closed.
Armoury St. will have restricted access.
The TTC add extra staff, streetcars and more frequent subway service to accommodate people travelling to and from the parade.
The following TTC routes will be diverted for the parade: 5 Avenue Rd, 6 Bay, 29 Dufferin, 121 Fort York-Esplanade, 501 Queen, 504 King, 509 Harbourfront, 510 Spadina and 511 Bathurst.
The 510 Spadina streetcar will not be available at Union Station, but travellers in that area can use the 509 Harbourfront to connect with the 510 at Spadina Ave.
Carrasco, the Raptors fan from Prince George, seemed to think nothing could dampen the city’s spirits.
“I honestly think this will be the happiest Toronto’s ever been. It’s just cool to see happy people who all believe in this team and believe what it stands for.”
“I honestly think this will be the happiest Toronto’s ever been.” WAYNE CARRASCO RAPTORS FAN