Mayor warns stay away from downtown during G20

TORONTO - Mayor David Miller is warning residents and tourists alike to do what they can to avoid downtown Toronto during G20 weekend.

Miller usually goes out of his way to invite people to Toronto, but he's modifying his mantra for the summit.

"I would ask people who don't need to be in downtown Toronto to enjoy another part of our city," he told reporters at City Hall Friday.

He says there will be "significant disruption" to people and traffic when world leaders descend on the Metro Convention Centre on June 26th and 27th.

"Between Friday and Sunday, it will not be a convenient time to be in the downtown," he said.

Even so, Miller is proud to host the G20 and "showcase the city of Toronto to the world".

As for the anti-G20 spray paint on ATM's at Dundas and Spadina overnight, Mayor Miller condemns it.

"The grafitti and damage to the bank machines was wrong and we don't welcome people who would do damage in this city," he said.

Miller hopes it isn't a forerunner to what G20 weekend might bring.