Mayor hosts interfaith service to honour those lost to COVID-19

OTTAWA – On the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 death in Ottawa, Mayor Jim Watson will host an interfaith service to honour all City of Ottawa residents who have lost their lives to COVID-19.

Watson will be joined by Dr. Vera Etches, Ottawa’s Medical Officer of Health, Chief Wendy Jocko, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, Mr. Francois Couillard, Bahá’í Community of Ottawa, Reverend Dr. Anthony Bailey, Parkdale United Church, Rabbi Idan Scher, Congregation Machzikei Hadas, and Imam Samy Metwally, Islamic Society of Gloucester for a solemn sunset ceremony at Marion Dewar Plaza at City Hall.

“We will remember all those who have lost their lives and we are thinking of the family and friends of loved ones who are grieving,” Watson said.

The first death in Ottawa from the COVID-19 virus occurred on March 25, 2020. To commemorate this day, the flags at Ottawa City Hall are lowered to half-mast from sunrise on Thursday, March 25 until sunset on Sunday, March 28.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this in-person service is for participating interfaith leaders and media. The public is invited to watch live on Mayor Watson’s Facebook page starting at 6 p.m.