Road closures, transit delays: What Edmontonians need to know about the 'once-in-a-generation' Papal visit

Edmontonians are being asked to plan ahead and leave plenty of time for their commutes next week as Pope Francis arrives in the city as part of the Catholic Church's efforts toward reconciliation with Indigenous people.

Edmontonians are being asked to plan ahead and leave plenty of time for their commutes next week as Pope Francis arrives in the city as part of the Catholic Church's efforts toward reconciliation with Indigenous people.

Police, transit, and city officials say there will be traffic closures and transit delays next week, especially on Monday and Tuesday.

"This visit is an important step as the Catholic Church continues its healing journey with residential school survivors and their families," said Nicole Poirier, Edmonton's civic events and festival director.

"The visit is also important to the City of Edmonton as we continue our healing journey with Indigenous peoples and communities," she added. "The city is working closely with our partners to support a safe and successful visit in Edmonton and area.

"This is a once-in-a-generation event that is happening in our city, and it's really important to us as a city that we get this right, or as right as possible."

Here's what you need to know about the visit:

The city will close several roads during the Pope's visit from Saturday to Tuesday.