Gardiner shutdown dampens the weekend but events boost your spirits

You knew this was coming. We warned you back in February and here is another reminder: The Gardiner Expressway is scheduled to be closed starting Friday and into the weekend for annual spring maintenance.

However, the expressway closure all depends on whether or not it rains. As of right now, the forecast calls for rain and windy conditions on Saturday. And if the forecast holds, and the rain comes down, the closure may be moved to the following weekend.

The upcoming Gardiner shutdown, combined with the other closures for road work across the city, will make for a stressful drive into the city, so transit is your best option for most of the weekend. On Sunday, a portion of Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth) will open a bit later due to overnight TTC work.

Even if it rains, it is the weekend after all, and you should try to make the most of it. There are plenty of events taking place around the city to boost your spirits.

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Events

Woofest
If you have a pooch at home, you know how much he or she loves to go out! This Saturday, bring yourself, your family and your furry friends down to Roncesvalles Village for a doggie festival, presented by Master Mechanic High Park and Dundas West Animal Hospital.

 

Your pet will have a grand time hanging out with other dogs, getting groomed, playing games and nibbling on some treats. There’s also a chance to show off their skills to win prizes, several vendors on hand, family-friendly activities for your children and plenty of treats for humans as well. Don’t have a dog but always wanted one? You can adopt one at the event. Also, be sure not to miss a meet-and-greet with Canadian music legend Daniel Lanois followed by a rooftop concert.

The event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2 Howard Park Ave., raises money for Moosonee Puppy Rescue, The Farley Foundation, The Parkside Food Bank, and The Redwood. Admission to the event is free.

Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer’s
It’s dubbed the “ultimate hockey experience” and the best part – it’s all for a good cause!

The Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer’s is a two-day tournament taking place at Downsview Park, in support of research into Alzheimer’s and related dementias at Baycrest Health Sciences. Click here to register a team.

Turban Up!
It’s a family gathering Sunday at Yonge-Dundas Square, where the traditions of the Sikh culture will be on display at “Turban Up.” There will be art, food and martial arts displays. Admission to the event is free.

Toronto Comic Arts Fest
A celebration of comics and graphic novels takes place Saturday and Sunday at the Toronto Reference Library. It’s a two-day exhibition and vendor fair featuring hundreds of comic artists from around the world. There will also be workshops, art installations and readings. Admission is free.

Summer lovin’ happened so fast …
“Tell me more, tell me more, was it love at first sight?” If you grew up during the late 70s or early 80s, the tunes from “Grease” are ingrained in your brain. The movie, which was released in 1978, spawned sing-alongs, dance contests, people pretending they were Danny and Sandy, pink jacket trends, and even a sequel that never should have happened.

 

Dress up like a T-bird or Pink Lady and take your vocal cords to new heights in Sing-a-long-a Grease at the TIFF Bell Lightbox on Saturday, hosted by writer and performer Shawn Hitchins. You will also get a free goody bag and a chance to learn the hand jive. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Last weekend for Kinky Boots
A very popular musical closes this weekend. Kinky Boots wraps up its extended run in Toronto on Sunday with two performances.

It will be the last show at the Royal Alexandra Theatre before it closes for six months of extended renovations. Tickets for the final weekend are available here.

 

Gardiner closure

The Gardiner Expressway is scheduled to be closed between Carlaw Avenue and Highway 427 from 11 p.m. on Friday to 5 a.m. on Monday for annual spring maintenance.

Crews will be demolishing the Dowling Avenue bridge, conducting bridge deck repairs and inspections, resurfacing roads, cleaning and repairing catch basins, checking overhead signs CCTV cameras, repairing guiderails, and other tasks.

During the closure, motorists can use Lake Shore Boulevard, The Queensway, King Street, Bloor Street and Evans Avenue as alternate routes. Pedestrians and cyclists won’t be able to use the Dowling bridge as of Friday.

In case it rains, the closure will take place May 20-22 and will open in time for Victoria Day.

TTC and other road closures

Road work
Queen Street West between Spadina Avenue and Bathurst Street is being reduced to one lane in either direction for watermain replacement and and reconstruction work. The construction is expected to last until Oct. 8.

Below is a map of the ongoing road closures in Toronto due to construction, or click here for a mobile-friendly link.

Note: Westbound Lake Shore Boulevard, which is currently reduced to one lane between York and Rees streets for road work, will be open during the Gardiner closure. The lane reductions resume at 5 a.m. on Monday.

Late opening on Line 2
Subway service on Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth), between Pape and St. George stations, will start at 10 a.m. on Sunday due to bridge work on the Prince Edward Viaduct. Shuttle buses will stop at all of the affected stations.

The next scheduled closure is the weekend of May 28-29. Subways won’t be running on Line 1 (Yonge-University-Spadina) between St.Clair West and Downsview stations for signal upgrade work. Shuttle buses will be in service.