Multiple road closures are in effect for Pride weekend in Toronto, impacting downtown streets and major highways. The closures began early Saturday morning and will continue through Sunday evening, with some extending into Monday.
Key closures and timing
According to the City of Toronto, the following roads are closed from 6 a.m. Saturday to 11:59 p.m. Sunday: Yonge Street from Bloor Street to College Street, and College Street from Yonge Street to University Avenue. Additionally, Bloor Street from Yonge Street to Avenue Road will be closed from 6 a.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday for the Pride Parade.
The Gardiner Expressway will have lane reductions near the Yonge Street and Bay Street exits from 10 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday. The Don Valley Parkway will also see periodic closures at the Bloor Street ramp during the same period.
Impact on transit and travel
TTC service will be adjusted on several routes, including the 5 Avenue Road, 94 Wellesley, and 97 Yonge buses, which will be detoured around closed sections. The TTC recommends using the Yonge-University line subway as an alternative. GO Transit will also experience delays on the Lakeshore East and West lines due to increased ridership and road closures.
Pedestrians and cyclists are advised to use designated crossing points and follow signage. The city has set up temporary bike parking at Bloor and Yonge streets.
What to expect
Pride Toronto expects over 2 million attendees this weekend, with the main parade on Sunday drawing up to 1.5 million people. Police will have a heightened presence, and attendees are urged to plan their routes in advance. "We encourage everyone to use public transit and allow extra travel time," said Toronto Police Service spokesperson Constable Laura Brabant.
For real-time updates, residents can check the city's road closure map or follow @TorontoPride on social media.
