Toronto Rally Expected to Draw Over 200K, Police Warn of Heavy Traffic
Toronto is bracing for a significant rally this Saturday, expected to draw over 200,000 people. The event is part of the Global Day of Action supporting Iran’s Lion and Sun Revolution. It is anticipated to result in substantial traffic disruptions across the city.
Event Details
The rally is scheduled for February 14 and will consist of a 3.8-kilometre march. It will begin at Yonge Street and Steeles Avenue and proceed south to North York Boulevard, just north of Sheppard Avenue.
Traffic and Road Closures
To accommodate the expected attendance, Toronto police are implementing multiple road closures and parking restrictions in the vicinity:
- Yonge Street: No parking from Steeles Avenue to Sheppard Avenue, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- North York Boulevard: No parking from Yonge Street to Beecroft Road, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Beecroft Road: No parking from Park Home Avenue to North York Boulevard, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Additional closures include:
- North York Boulevard closed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., from Yonge Street to Beecroft Road (local traffic only).
- Full closure of Yonge Street from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Steeles Avenue to North York Boulevard.
- Northbound Yonge Street closed from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., from North York Boulevard to Sheppard Avenue.
- Eastbound and westbound traffic on Steeles Avenue (Willowdale Avenue to Hilda Avenue) restricted to local access.
- Eastbound and westbound Finch Avenue traffic limited from Doris Avenue to Beecroft Road.
Transit Adjustments
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is also modifying its services. Specifically:
- Bus route 97 will be on detour due to the rally.
- Sheppard Station is recommended for commuters.
- Access to North York Centre Station will be limited, with staggered closures to ensure safety.
Authorities warn of extreme traffic and transit delays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on February 14. Commuters are advised to avoid the area and consider alternate routes to reach their destinations on time.
