Canada 911 Ride returns to Lakefield August 21
By Stacey Sullivan
The sound of hundreds of motorcycles will once again make its way through downtown Lakefield on Friday, August 21, as the Canada 911 Ride returns to the community as part of its annual three-day ride in support of first responders.
The 2026 Canada 911 Ride runs from August 21-23, beginning at Classy Chassis & Cycles at 1399 8th Line in Selwyn and finishing at noon on Sunday, August 23, at the York Regional Police Association building in Aurora.
The annual event has started at Classy Chassis for the past four years, attracting riders from across Ontario and as far away as Texas. Riders from Europe have also participated in previous years.
Photo: Josh Hinan of Classy Chassis & Cycles welcomed Canada 911 Ride organizer Jim Adamson and OPP Constable Daniel Gay to the business Thursday afternoon to promote this year’s ride. (Photo: Discover Lakefield)
Riders will begin gathering at Classy Chassis at approximately 8 a.m. on Friday, with the ride scheduled to depart at 10 a.m. Community members are welcome to come out before the departure to check out the motorcycles, meet participating officers and riders, and take part in the start of the event. The event is free to attend and family friendly.
Following its departure from Classy Chassis, the ride will travel through the region, including along Queen Street in Lakefield at approximately 10:30 a.m.
Organizers are encouraging residents and local businesses to come out and line Queen Street to watch the motorcycles travel through the village, wave Canadian flags, and cheer on the riders.
The route changes from year to year, but organizers were pleased with the support and turnout in Lakefield in 2025 and decided to bring the ride back along Queen Street this year.
Organizer and retired Sgt. Jim Adamson said the support from the community means a great deal to the riders, “They appreciate the support, and they would love to see it again this year.”
Residents are encouraged to bring their families and children out to watch the procession and show their support, “Come and see us, come and participate, come and join us. It's very family oriented and family friendly.”
The 2026 ride is full, but the community can still play an important role by coming out to support the riders and the cause.
“Come out with a Canadian flag. It's Canada 911 Ride. Show that we're supporting the first responders right across the country, and especially in our hometown communities," said Adamson.
“Show that we’re supporting the first responders right across the country, and especially in our hometown communities,”
The Canada 911 Foundation raises funds to give back to communities and honour fallen first responders. Through funds raised, the foundation places public-access defibrillators in communities in honour of fallen first responders, allowing them to continue serving their communities. According to Adamson, the defibrillators have helped save 54 lives to date, including the life of a six-month-old child.
“It's all about raising awareness, and it's about giving back,” Adamson said.
Donations to support the Canada 911 Foundation can be made online at canada911ride.org/donate.