East end Toronto braces for all-day ‘unsanctioned’ Hells Angels gathering

East end Toronto is bracing for the arrival of hundreds of bikers in support of an “unsanctioned” procession and all-day gathering of the outlaw Hells Angels motorcycle club.In preparation for the motorcycle convoy, Toronto police have announced that Carlaw Avenue will be completely shut down in both directions from Eastern Avenue to Lakeshore Boulevard East between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Only one lane will be available for emergency vehicles and local traffic, police said. Hundreds of Hells Angels motorcyclists and their supporters are flocking to the city today as part of a memorial ride for the death of a former member. Police say between 800 and 1,000 motorcyclists are expected to participate in Thursday’s procession.The notorious motorcycle club is set to hold its annual national event over three days starting this weekend in Brooklin, north of Whitby.Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Toronto police Traffic Services Supt Scott Baptist said police’s top priority is to ensure public safety during this “unsanctioned” event.“We have no information to indicate that they intend to do anything other than participate in the memorial ride, followed by a gathering in the city,” he said, noting residents will notice an increased police presence throughout the day as they try to minimize the impact on people’s everyday activities.“We’re going to do everything we can to ensure there’s a robust traffic plan, to ensure that traffic moves about the city and that this procession has the most minimal impact on the people of Toronto as possible.”In a community notice sent to residents Wednesday, police said police will set up a command post at Commissioners Street. A RIDE program will also be mounted in the area.Residents who have any questions or concerns on the matter are encouraged to contact 55 Division, or call 911 for any emergency issues, police added in the notice.That stretch of Carlaw Avenue. is a mixed neighbourhood including scattered retail, building-supply businesses and single-family homes.Toronto police expect the motorcycle procession to affect the southbound lanes of the DVP as well as a section of Lakeshore Boulevard East, starting at about 11 a.m., before arriving at the Carlaw location.York Regional Police also warned the Newmarket area residents to brace for local traffic disruptions in the area of Leslie Street and Davis Drive, as well as the southbound lanes of Highway 404. Hells Angels members will be gathering there and are expected to begin travelling south between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.Thursday’s gathering is expected to be one of the largest-ever Hells Angels rallies in Toronto.In 2002, a Hells Angels national event in the Entertainment District sparked outrage after then-mayor Mel Lastman was photographed shaking the hand of a gang member in full colours.Facing immediate backlash from the public and police, Lastman explained he shook the biker’s hand because he was scared not to.Gilbert Ngabo is a Toronto-based crime reporter for the Star. Follow him on Twitter: @dugilbo