FINALIST FOR TORONTO BOOK AWARDS
The 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 challenges.

Paul McLaughlin is a highly experienced and award-winning freelance writer, broadcaster, and teacher. The author of 2022’s Asking the Best Questions, he has written numerous books, articles, and playscripts. He lives in Toronto, where he teaches professional writing at York University.

Paul McLaughlin's profile page

• Nominated, Heritage Toronto Book Award
• Short-listed, Toronto Book Award

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

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

This book tells the story of how an unlikely pair of men – a retired salesman and a journalism student – fought City Hall and won by getting a barrier erected on the second most popular ‘suicide magnet’ bridge in North America, the Bloor Viaduct. Since its construction in 1918, some 400 people have been drawn to its perceived ‘romantic and easy’ escape from pain and suffering. The Suicide Magnet takes us through the surprising and little-known story of Al Birney and Michael McCamus, who insisted on shining a bright light on the dark taboo of suicide, as well as the compelling research that shows when the easiest route to ending a life is removed not all will seek another option. A fascinating, tightly written narrative that demonstrates how individuals, guided by passion and purpose, can make a truly life-affirming difference.

Toronto Book Awards jury citation

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

Book Review: The Suicide Magnet—Inside the Battle to Erect a Safety Barrier on Toronto’s Bloor Viaduct

Canadian Architect

Invaluable for the light it sheds on crucial mental health issues, on abuse and despair. His agonistic account empowers us all in showing what courageous citizens, facing formidable adversity, ignited and accomplished in their years-long struggle for a life-saving and beautiful suicide deterrent, transforming Toronto’s Bloor Street Viaduct from a place of darkness to one of light.

Dereck Revington