Description
Book SynopsisThe inside story of the grassroots fight to have a suicide barrier erected on Toronto's bridge of death.
Most Torontonians have no idea their city once hosted the second most popular suicide magnet in North America, behind the Golden Gate Bridge. Since its completion in 1918, more than four hundred people jumped to their death from the Bloor Viaduct, which spans the cavernous Don Valley.
That number might still be rising if not for the tireless efforts of a group of volunteers, led by two citizens, who fought City Hall for years to get a suicide barrier erected. Not only did they win, they saved numerous lives and brought to light valuable research on how barriers actually lower suicide numbers overall. The resulting barrier The Luminous Veil has been praised for its ingenious and inspiring design.
The Suicide Magnet tells how the battle was won, and explores the ongoing efforts to help those suffering from mental health challen
Trade Review
People experiencing mental health issues need hope. The Suicide Magnet offers a message of hope, details a vital part of our history and shows we can make a difference. * John Tory, former mayor of Toronto *
A thoughtful, well written tribute to Al Birney and Michael McCamus; two men who never gave up on their heroic quest to get the Luminous Veil built on the Bloor Viaduct. While Paul McLaughlin’s book is an excellent historical record, it also brings up the urgent need for more mental health support and services for those going through crisis, and for the devastated families left behind after someone takes their life. * Teresa and Gary Kruze, sister–in-law and brother of Martin Kruze *
This book tells the compelling story of how the power of passion and purpose, sustained over time and despite many setbacks, can truly make a difference in the fight to prevent deaths by suicide. It combines historical context, factual information about suicide and, most importantly, an understanding of the human cost, Michael and Al’s valiant journey is best understood through the lens of the stories of those impacted the most. * Karen Letofsky, consultant and educator in Suicide and Crisis Response *
Table of Contents
- 1 Bridge of Troubled Souls
- 2 A Monument to Progress and Despair
- 3 An Unlikely Duo
- 4 The Fatal Attraction of Suicide Magnets
- 5 Ken Dryden Reacts Personally
- 6 The Stars Align
- 7 The Black Dogs
- 8 The Copycat Question
- 9 The Media and Suicide
- 10 The TTC Pushes the Stop Button
- 11 Death on the Rails
- 12 Al Birney’s Shining Moment
- 13 The Project Steering Committee in Wonderland
- 14 The Struggle Is Finally Over
- 15 A Vision (Partly) Realized
- 16 The Ironic Demise of Ellis Galea Kirkland
- 17 Backlash, Vindication, and Grief
- 18 The Veil Is Finally Lit
- 19 The Barrier Saved My Life
- Acknowledgements
- If You Need Help
- Index
- About the Author
