Brampton honours Queen Elizabeth II with vigil, ceremonies and day of mourning

Flags are at half mast, candlelight ceremonies have been held and moments of silence were observed in Brampton to mark the death and remember the life of Queen Elizabeth II.

The City’s tributes began on Sunday night (Sept. 18) with a community candlelight vigil in Ken Whillans Square on the steps of Brampton City Hall, with Mayor Patrick Brown in attendance and speaking at the service.

Then on Monday, the city began its day of remembrance at 5:00 a.m. on Monday in Garden Square with a broadcast of the Queen’s funeral.

The Royal Canadian Legion held services of remembrance for the Queen on Monday at the Memorial Square Cenotaph in Ken Whillans Square, and at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 609 in Bramalea.

Local politicians and members of Brampton City Council were in attendance, including Rowena Santos, Jeff Bowman, Paul Vicente and Michael Palleschi, as well as Brampton Members of Parliament Ruby Sahota, Maninder Sidhu, Shafqat Ali and Sonia Sidhu.

A 96-second moment of silence was also held on Brampton Transit buses at 1:00 p.m. on Monday. All buses were requested to stop at the nearest safe location and pause all non-essential communications.

The City has made a book of condolences available for members of the public to sign in the City Hall atrium on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and at the Brampton Farmers’ Market on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for those who wish to pay their respects in person.

There is also a digital book which can be signed online.

Elizabeth died on Sept. 8 at the age of 96 after a reign of 70 years, making her the United Kingdom’s longest serving monarch and a fixture in Canada as the constitutional head of state.

September 19 has now become a national holiday and day of mourning for federal workers in Ontario and across Canada to commemorate the day the Queen was buried in England.

Elizabeth had a special relationship with Canada and the Region of Peel, touring Canada as both Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh, and as Queen on numerous occasions.

During her 1973 Royal tour, the Queen visited Brampton for the city’s 100th anniversary. The Queen and Prince Philip were taken to Gage Park during the visit where they were guests of honour during official centennial celebrations.

Brampton Mayor Brown said he once met Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Canada in 2010, and said he will never forget her warmth and kindness.