Organized by Pollution Probe, an environmental advocacy group based out of the University of Toronto—the mock funeral featured a procession and a casket.
The Don River has been at the heart of Toronto’s story — from its days as a lifeline for Indigenous peoples and early settlers to its industrial decline and ongoing revival. Once home to mills, factories, and rail lines, the Don became one of Toronto’s most polluted waterways by the mid-20th century. But today, through major restoration efforts like the Don River Valley Park project, the city is reconnecting with the river that helped shape its growth. The Don’s history is one of transformation — from a working river to a symbol of renewal, resilience, and environmental hope.