ActiveTO, a plan introduced by the City of Toronto last May, is back with its first weekend road closures of 2021. The program provides more walking and cycling space for Toronto residents while maintaining physical distance. Today, Mayor John Tory announced that the first road closures will be along Bayview Avenue and Lake Shore Boulevard East.
“We are committed to giving people more places to get outside safely to get fresh air and exercise, and ActiveTO has proven a successful way to do that,” said Tory. “I encourage everyone to get outside with members of their own household, and to keep their distance from others while doing so.”
Tory also thanked city staff for getting ActiveTO road closures underway quickly to provide a safe way for Torontonians to get outside while the city is experiences high daily COVID-19 case counts in this third wave of the pandemic.
The upcoming road closures will begin on Saturday, May 1 at 6 a.m. and run until Sunday, May 2 at 9 p.m. Bayview Avenue will be closed to vehicles from Front Street East to Rosedale Valley Road. River Street will be closed between Bayview Avenue and Spruce Street. Lake Shore Boulevard East will be closed between Leslie Street and Woodbine Avenue; this closure will affect the eastbound lanes only.
“The return of ActiveTO weekend road closures means even more space available in our city for people to get outside and get active,” said Councillor Jennifer McKelvie who is also chair of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee. “Opening roads for people will help to complement Toronto’s vast number of trails, parks, paths and ravines that remain accessible and available to everyone for fresh air and physical activity.”
The city is also asking residents to only access these areas by bike or as a pedestrian because nearby parking is limited and no onsite parking will be available. If residents do not live near the road closures, the city is suggested alternate places for outdoor activity such as The Meadoway in Scarborough, the Humber Valley Trail in Etobicoke or the Finch Hydro Corridor in North York.
The program is also set to expand to include Allen Road starting June 6, with additional possible closures in the works for Black Creek Drive and roads within Exhibition Place.