Road closures, TTC service changes to take effect as TIFF kicks off

Several roads will be closed in the downtown core and some TTC streetcar routes will change as the city hosts the Toronto International Film Festival starting Thursday.

The city says its staff and TTC officials are working with TIFF to ensure people can enjoy "Festival Street" with the least amount of convenience to those who have to travel in the area. TIFF takes place from Sept. 5 to 15. 

"Those who need to travel near road closures should plan their travel in advance, allow for extra time, consider taking public transit or other travel methods such as walking or cycling and follow signage in the work zone to keep everyone safe," the city said.

The following streets will be fully closed from 5 a.m. Thursday to 5 a.m. Monday for TIFF's Festival Street, which is a free pop-up street festival that includes music, screenings and installations: 

The city said there will be other road closures as well downtown:

A number of partial lane closures will also be in effect around the Shangri-La Hotel, Scotiabank Theatre and Princess of Wales Theatre until Tuesday, Sept. 17, and around Roy Thomson Hall until Thursday, Sept. 19, the city says.

As for the TTC, it said it will making some service changes on the 504 King, 503 Kingston Road and 508 Lake Shore streetcar routes from Thursday to Monday due to TIFF. More information can be found here.

TIFF brings thousands of film lovers to Toronto through film screenings, industry programming and free events, the city says.

"Major festivals and events generate significant economic and cultural benefits for Toronto and raise the city's profile on the world stage," the city said.