Second Deadliest Structure In North America

The Bloor Viaduct was once the second most fatal structure in North America - it is now like a prison. Where it once featured scenic views of Downtown, the Don Valley and the DVP – it now features 20 foot tall pieces of metal – spaced out in what they call the “Luminous Veil”.



The original construction of the bridge also known as the Prince Edward Viaduct took place in 1918. It is a major traffic point where Bloor St becomes Danforth Ave. The rattle of the subway can be felt underneath it – as traffic wizzes by. What was once a wonderful structure to traverse by foot – is now a bridge you quickly walk across with your head down lest you realize you are in a giant cage.



The problem was jumpers. Falling bodies began to be a regular occurrence. At its peak there was one every 22 days. Prevention measures through the social system were not enough to keep the bridge from taking lives. Torontonians turned a blind eye to it – much like they do “subway incidents” or “traffic related delay” on the go-train.



It wasn’t until there were more high profile events such as a mother and child jumping – landing on the highway below – and getting hit by traffic – that action really took place. There were a few cases that began to get press coverage and public opinion swayed policy. They erected a steel wall so high that the jumpers can’t jump. It’s not so much the river that’s the problem – it’s the ones who jump to the expressway below.



The Veil has been 100% effective at stopping the jumpers. Rather, it has been 100% effective at redirecting them somewhere else. Is this what we need to do? Veil ourselves from our own humanity? There has been talk about barriers in all 69 Subway stations. Toronto is not Tokyo – the barriers are not for safety - they are simply to detract jumpers. Does architecture and suicide prevention even mesh? If we insulate ourselves and put up barriers and barricades we are simply passing the buck. While the subway system and the viaduct should have be modified for safety – aesthetics have to be taken into consideration. The label of second deadliest structure is now long gone – now we are left with a functional bridge that blocks one of the best views in the city.



Meanwhile the Leaside bridge waits for its next victim.