This Halloween promises to be unlike any other in Toronto, and perhaps in Canadian history. Forget typical ghouls and goblins – the most popular costume might just be a Blue Jays fan, dreaming of a World Series victory.
Imagine the scene: the entire Greater Toronto Area awash in blue and white, a sea of hopeful faces celebrating a potential championship. It’s a possibility so potent, it could eclipse all other Halloween festivities.
There’s a bittersweet note, however. The annual Halloween party within the TTC’s famed “ghost station,” Lower Bay, has been cancelled. This hidden platform, dormant since the 1960s, has always held a unique allure, drawing curiosity from around the globe.
Lower Bay isn’t just a relic of the past; it’s a versatile space, frequently used as a film set for productions like *Suicide Squad* and *Total Recall*. Its eerie atmosphere and accessibility make it ideal for cinematic endeavors, but unfortunately, not for this year’s Halloween Fest.
The TTC cited safety and accessibility concerns, specifically regarding a narrow, dark staircase leading to the station. While understandable, the cancellation sparked disappointment, especially considering the event’s past success and the TTC’s commitment to community engagement.
The decision wasn’t due to complaints about Halloween itself, but rather logistical challenges in ensuring inclusivity for all attendees. Organizers are already looking at solutions for future events, aiming to address accessibility issues.
Despite the loss of Lower Bay’s party, a different kind of celebration is brewing. With Game 6 of the World Series falling on Halloween night, the city’s transit system – subways, buses, and streetcars – may become a rolling party, filled with costumed fans heading to impromptu celebrations.
What was once planned as a series of fright-night events could transform into the largest Halloween gathering Toronto has ever witnessed. A potential seventh game looms, adding another layer of excitement – or heartbreak – to the evening.
This incredible run hasn’t been a solo effort. From the Blue Jays organization to Mayor Chow and the City of Toronto, the TTC, Metrolinx, and Go Train workers, it’s been a truly collaborative and impressive playoff journey.
Halloween is traditionally a night for revelry, but this year, it’s poised to be something truly extraordinary. A city united, a team on the brink, and a night that will undoubtedly be etched in Toronto’s history.
