The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is back, bringing screenings, events and Festival Street to our downtown communities. TIFF starts Thursday, September 10, and continues to Sunday, September 20.
If you’re travelling through downtown west during the festival, plan ahead and give yourself extra time. Several streets will be closed for Festival Street, with additional traffic and pedestrian impacts expected around TIFF venues throughout the festival.
From 5 a.m. on Thursday, September 10, until 5 a.m. on Monday, September 14, the following roads will be closed for TIFF Festival Street:
King Street West: University Avenue to Spadina Avenue
Simcoe Street: Wellington Street West to Adelaide Street West
Ed Mirvish Way: King Street West to Pearl Street
Duncan Street: Pearl Street to Adelaide Street West
John Street: Wellington Street West to Adelaide Street West
Widmer Street: King Street West to Adelaide Street West
Blue Jays Way: Wellington Street West to King Street West
Peter Street: King Street West to Adelaide Street West
Mercer Street: John Street to Blue Jays Way
Charlotte Street: King Street West to Adelaide Street West
Festival Street is a free, pop-up street festival featuring music, screenings and other programming in the heart of downtown allowing thousands to join in the celebration.
The City is working with the TTC, TIFF organizers and other partners to help people move safely through the area while Festival Street is underway.
Temporary signage and barricades will be in place, with TIFF volunteers and police officers on site to assist with pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
Service on the 504/304 King and 508 Lake Shore streetcar routes will change during the following periods:
Thursday, September 10 at 5 a.m. to Monday, September 14 at 5 a.m.
Monday, September 14 and Tuesday, September 15 from 3 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
During these periods:
Westbound streetcars will divert north from King Street West via Church Street, west on Richmond Street East/West, north on York Street, west on Queen Street West, and south on Spadina Avenue before returning to their regular routes on King Street West.
Eastbound streetcars will divert north from King Street West via Spadina Avenue, east on Queen Street West, south on York Street, east on Adelaide Street West/East and south on Church Street before returning to their regular routes on King Street East.
504B King streetcars will divert south from King Street East via Church Street, west on Wellington Street East/West and north on York Street before turning east on King Street West and resuming their regular route to Broadview Station.
Stops on King Street West between Spadina Avenue and York Street will not be served by streetcar service. Riders should plan ahead and give themselves extra time. Check the Live Service Alerts on ttc.ca for up-to-date service information.
From 5 a.m. on Thursday, September 10 until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, increased pedestrian activity and intermittent road closures are also expected around participating TIFF theatres and event spaces.
Affected locations include:
TIFF Lightbox 350 King St. W. (Reitman Square)
Roy Thomson Hall 60 Simcoe St.
Princess of Wales Theatre 300 King St. W.
Royal Alexandra Theatre 260 King St. W.
Scotiabank Theatre 259 Richmond St. W.
John W. H. Bassett Theatre / Metro Toronto Convention Centre 255 Front St. W.
David Pecaut Square 215 King St. W., including fan zones and outdoor activities
Whether you’re heading to TIFF or simply travelling through the neighbourhood, give yourself extra time and expect heavier pedestrian and vehicle traffic throughout the Downtown West.
Walking and cycling may be the easiest ways to get around during the busiest periods. If you need to drive, check your route before leaving and be prepared for temporary closures and parking restrictions. Check ttc.ca for updates to transit service.
Enjoy TIFF and downtown!
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