Downtown Core Information for May 29

On Friday, may 29, 2009, there will be four events in the downtown area that will have an impact on the afternoon and evening traffic routes through the core.

1.) As part of Bike Month, the Toronto Criterium will take place around the St. Lawrence Market. The road closures for this event will take place at 4:00 p.m. until approximately 11:00 p.m. The closures will be:
Front Street from Yonge Street to Jarvis Street
The Esplanade from Yonge Street to Jarvis Street
Market St from Front Street to The Esplanade
Church Street from Wellington Street to The Esplanade
Scott Street from Wellington Street to The Esplanade
Jarvis Street and Yonge Street will remain open in both directions but long term construction will see Jarvis Street reduced to one southbound lane.

2.) Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush will speaking at the Metro Toronto Convention Center. The scheduled times for the event are from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. There are no scheduled closures for this event but Toronto Police are expecting protesters in the area. Public safety and the safe and efficient flow of traffic will be exterior priorities for this event. If through continual assessment of the public safety issues it is determined closures are necessary, they will be put in place.

3.) The Blue Jays are retuning home today and will be playing at 7:00 p.m.

4.) The Tamil community is requesting supporters to hold a peaceful rally and protest starting at 2:00 p.m. near the intersection of Yonge and St.Clair Avenue which will proceed down Yonge Street making its way to the U.S. Consulate at University Avenue and Armoury Street. The intent then is to go to the Convention Centre.

Traffic Services strongly suggests that if you are coming to any of the events or travelling through the area for any reason that you exercise patience and leave plenty of time for any unexpected delays.

Public transit is an excellent choice for any movement into or out of the downtown.

Know alternative routes before you travel. If you find yourself in need of a detour to your planned route, the knowledge of alternative routes will serve you well.