Discover Toronto's history as told through its plaques

2004 - Now in our 15th Year - 2019

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In Memory of J.A. (Al) Birney

Photos by Alan L Brown - Posted August, 2007

What exactly is that metal structure? Well, here at the east end of the Bloor Street Viaduct (also known as the Prince Edward Viaduct), on the north side, is a City of Toronto plaque that explains it. Here's what it says:

Coordinates: 43.675927 -79.360621

This plaque is dedicated to the memory of Al Birney, a man who advocated for the rights of those suffering with mental illness. His tireless efforts resulted in the construction of the Luminous Veil suicide prevention barrier on the Bloor St. viaduct in 2003. The determination shown by Mr. Birney and all those who worked to have the Veil erected shall never be forgotten.

Related Toronto plaque
The Prince Edward Viaduct

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Here are the visitors' comments for this page.

> Posted January 30, 2019
The addition to the bridge can be evaluated for its effectiveness at preventing suicide, and for its aesthetic quality. The two should not be confused, but the comment of Jan. 20 does so. Recent information shows the average of nine suicides a year from this bridge has been severely reduced. My earlier comment focussed on the architecture of the addition, which, despite its laudable intent and success in that realm, remains a blight upon the cityscape.
-Wayne

> Posted January 20, 2019
I came across this memorial and stopped to read it because I knew Al Birney as a teenager. Reading the comment made regarding the architecture of this fence to prevent people from committing suicide to me was somewhat narrowminded. This person has obviously never dealt with a family member or anyone close to them with mental issues and suicidal tendencies. I knew Mr. Birney, and his family, and what his family meant to him. This person's comment in my opinion takes away from the intention of this fence, as well as Mr. Birney's work and commitment on having it constructed. The focus should be on the lives that this is saved and not on how it looks. Maybe if this person ever had a family member who has mental illness they would understand that. The focus should be on what the fence symbolizes and if he did that, he would see the beauty in it. D. Smith [email protected]

> Posted December 11, 2016
This fish weir could have been designed to complement an elegant bridge. Instead, it desecrates it. The somber tone of the metal combined with beams that tilt like crosses in a forgotten graveyard actually encourages thoughts of suicide over the blight of this addition. A coloured nighttime light display only moderately assuages this well-intentioned failure of functional public art, leaving daytime viewers without relief. Were there no palatable design options? Is the architectural community bereft of inspiration or city support? Did no one kick around the idea of mirroring the graceful arches, below, with the curves of suspension bridge cables above? This is one of the chief disappointments of Toronto design in the last quarter century. -Wayne

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