Canada 911 Ride passes through Lakefield during 21st annual ride in support of first responders

The Canada 911 Ride made its way through Selwyn Township on Friday, August 21, as approximately 180 motorcycles travelled through the region on the first day of the three-day ride across southern Ontario.

The morning began at Classy Chassis & Cycles, where riders, first responders and community members gathered for breakfast and to prepare for the day ahead. Riders departed Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. before making their way through downtown Lakefield, where local businesses and community members lined the route to cheer them on.

Approximately 180 motorcycles pass through downtown Lakefield on Friday, August 21, 2026 as part of the 21st annual Canada 911 Ride (Photo: Stacey Sullivan, Discover Lakefield)

The ride continued through the region before crossing the James A. Gifford Causeway as the riders left Selwyn Township and continued on to the next stops on their three-day journey.

The Friday portion of the Canada 911 Ride was held in honour of Constable Andrew Hong, who had previously participated in the ride as a police escort.

On September 12, 2022, Cst. Hong made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Before his death, he was a familiar face on the Canada 911 Ride, proudly serving as one of the Toronto Police escort officers.

The three-day ride concluded in Aurora on Sunday, August 23.

Following the ride, the Canada 911 Foundation thanked the supporters, sponsors, riders, volunteers, police escorts, first responders, partners and community members who came out along the route.

Community members gather to watch the Canada 911 Ride and cheer on the riders (Photo: Stacey Sullivan, Discover Lakefield)

“Your support, generosity and enthusiasm are what make the Canada 911 Ride the success it is. We are incredibly grateful to each and every one of you who helped make this year’s Ride so memorable,” the foundation said in a social media post.

The Canada 911 Ride brings together riders, first responders, police escorts, volunteers and communities across Ontario to honour first responders and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

The foundation also supports charitable initiatives, including placing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in memory of fallen first responders and providing educational support to their children.