City to close stretches of Lake Shore Boulevard again this weekend

With a beautiful weekend of weather forecast, more people are likely to be outside, prompting the City of Toronto to expand its ActiveTO footprint.

The city says it is planning three major road closures this weekend to provide residents with more space to physically distance while outdoors and getting exercise, while helping control the spread of COVID-19.

Starting Saturday at 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. Sunday, the following closures will be in place:

• Eastbound Lake Shore Boulevard West from Windermere Avenue to Stadium Road. The eastbound Gardiner Expressway off ramp to Lake Shore Boulevard West (exit #146) will also be closed
• Eastbound Lake Shore Boulevard East from Coxwell Avenue to just south of Woodbine Avenue (Kew Beach Avenue)
• Bayview Avenue from Mill Street to Rosedale Valley Road, and River Street from Gerrard Street East to Bayview Avenue.

“What we experienced on Victoria Day long weekend was a quick start and common-sense response to areas where there has typically been bike and pedestrian congestion on weekends as the weather gets warmer,” said Mayor John Tory. “I am pleased people were able to get outdoors and enjoy the space and be active while keeping their distance from others.”

Last weekend’s closure of Lake Shore Boulevard left a number of motorists fuming as proper signage was not erected and many were unaware of the detours, creating hours long lineups.

The City says it will actively manage traffic during these closures through signal timing adjustments on adjacent routes, as well as roadway signage to alert drivers.