How a raccoon's demise brought a city together

The spot where he died is, on the whole, quite ordinary.

- MARK COLLEY

A memorial for Conrad the raccoon, who died nine years ago, was held at the Museum of Toronto this week, complete with a eulogy and moment of silence. He was one of thousands of raccoons that die every year in Toronto.

There’s a dentist’s office, a community centre, a vape store, a Canadian Tire. A short street light rises from the sidewalk and a green bike lane lines the curb.

But it was at this spot nine years ago — this ordinary corner of downtown, at the intersection of Yonge and Church streets — where something extraordinary happened, after a soon-to-be Toronto icon drew his last breath.

Perhaps he’d sifted through the garbage can sitting on the sidewalk, eating something two months expired and reaping the consequences. Perhaps he’d been too brazen, stumbling into the roadway and meeting the grille of a 2008 Honda Civic. Or perhaps his was a natural death, brought on by disease or simple heart arrhythmia.

Whatever the cause, when Conrad the raccoon died, and his body remained on the sidewalk for 14 hours despite calls to animal services, Toronto’s residents did not allow him to be forgotten.

Instead, they created a memorial — first with a single red rose and “Get Well” card, later with candles and a donation box.