News Release
May 5, 2021

Today, Mayor John Tory announced that ActiveTO major road closures will be in place again this weekend along parts of Lake Shore Boulevard East, as well as Bayview Avenue, and reminds residents that High Park remains closed to vehicles on weekends to make more space for people.

The first ActiveTO weekend road closures in 2021 were launched last weekend along these routes and proved, once again, to be popular among people and families to get outside and exercise.

The following closures will be in place beginning Saturday, May 8 at 6 a.m. until Sunday, May 9 at 9 p.m.:

  • Bayview Avenue, between Front Street East and Rosedale Valley Road, as well as River Street between Bayview Avenue and Spruce Street
  • Lake Shore Boulevard East (eastbound lanes only), between Leslie Street and Woodbine Avenue.
  • Roads through High Park will be closed to vehicle traffic for people to explore the park and get exercise while practising physical distancing each weekend from Friday at approximately 11 p.m. until Monday at approximately 7 a.m.

ActiveTO routes will be closed to vehicles and open to people on bikes, as well as to pedestrians. Residents planning to use ActiveTO routes or to visit High Park should do so only with members of their own household and are asked to access them by bike or on foot because nearby parking is limited and there is no onsite parking available.

City staff are currently making plans to close Lake Shore Boulevard West on the Saturday, May 15 and Sunday, May 16 weekend. Details, including timing and boundaries, will be provided as soon as plans are finalized. Staff have been working to anticipate potential traffic and safety impacts related to planned and important nearby construction along King-Queen-Queensway-Roncesvalles (KQQR) and The Queensway, from Parkside Drive to Roncesvalles Avenue.

The City continues to plan a closure of Allen Road starting June 6 and staff are reviewing the potential for other weekend closures along Black Creek Drive and roads within Exhibition Place, in consultation with local councillors, as well as the community.

Residents continue to be encouraged to stay close to home and explore the many paths, ravines, and hydro corridors with trails throughout Toronto that are open and available every day for fresh air and exercise. A few examples of these locations include The Meadoway in Scarborough, the Humber Valley Trail in Etobicoke or the Finch Hydro Corridor in North York. Many museums with green spaces are also available throughout the city.

As a quick-start COVID-19 response program first launched in 2020, ActiveTO was designed to provide more space for people to practise physical distancing while outside, support the overall wellbeing of residents and quickly connect and expand Toronto’s cycling network by installing safe, separated temporary bike routes that mirror major transit lines.

Learn more about ActiveTO .

Maps and details for available paths and trails are here

Learn more about The Meadoway, which spans 16 kilometres and connects parks and greenspaces in Scarborough.

Details about access to High Park are available here

Quotes:

“We know that ActiveTO weekend road closures are well-liked and last weekend’s kickoff reminded us all just how popular they have been for residents. We remain committed to giving people and families more places to be outside for exercise and I continue to encourage people to safely enjoy these routes.”

– Mayor John Tory

“When we open roads for people and families on weekends to safely get fresh air and exercise, we have seen that they will use the space to enjoy the outdoors and support their wellbeing. Toronto is valued for its many and expansive trails, parks, paths and ravines that are available to everyone, everyday, and I encourage people and families to stay close to home and to spend time safely exploring them.”

– Councillor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park), Chair of the Infrastructure & Environment Committee

Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Media contact: Media Relations, media@toronto.ca