The man who fought ceaselessly to have a suicide barrier erected over one of Toronto's most notorious bridges was honoured by the city with a memorial plaque in July. Al Birney, who died of a heart attack in June, 2006, was described by his friend Rev. Greg Dickson, as “absolutely sold out for Christ. He didn't care what people thought. He just wanted everyone to know that Jesus was foremost in his life.” The two participated in a weekly men's prayer group at St. Andrew's, Scarborough.
The Luminous Veil—as the barrier is known—on the Bloor-Danforth Bridge was dubbed a “suicide magnet” which has witnessed over 400 deaths since it was built in 1919.
Birney had a son who suffers from schizophrenia, and he knew the cost of mental illness. After hearing a woman's story whose son jumped from the bridge, he took it upon himself (along with friend Michael McCamus) to convince City Hall to construct a barrier that would prevent anyone else from jumping. The $6-million project took more than five years to be approved, but when it was, the City of Toronto gave both men a Public Service Award. The veil was completed in 2003.
“He touched a lot of people,” said Dickson, noting that Birney's deeply personal humility is something he will always remember. “God's spirit shone through everything he did, and it convicted every heart, and eventually, City Council.”
Birney was a member of St. Stephen's, Scarborough, and later moved to St. Andrew's in the same city. His brother, Rev. Dr. Russell Birney, was Moderator of the Presbyterian Church Ireland in 2002. – AM
