Toronto's ongoing road closures are sparking frustration among commuters and sports fans, as the city prioritizes maintenance and events over vehicle traffic. The Don Valley Parkway (DVP) will be fully closed from Highway 401 to the Jarvis Street ramp on the Gardiner Expressway from 11 p.m. on Friday, May 8, until 5 a.m. on Monday, May 11, for maintenance work. This follows the Gardiner Expressway shutdown on April 26-27, which also disrupted weekend travel.
Impact on Major Events
The closures coincide with a busy weekend of events, including Toronto Blue Jays games, a Toronto FC match featuring Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF at BMO Field, and running races. Greg Brady of AM640 noted that approximately 193,000 people need to travel to these events, with no similar closures next weekend. He criticized Mayor Olivia Chow for not intervening, contrasting her with former mayor John Tory, who paid attention to such weekends.
Community and Political Reactions
Journalist Steve Ryan, a former homicide detective, and radio hosts John Moore and Jerry Agar have also voiced concerns about gridlock and high gas prices. Ryan is being recruited to run for mayor or council, reflecting a desire for leaders who understand everyday commuters. Councillor Brad Bradford, a mayoral candidate, has promised to reschedule maintenance and special events if elected on Oct. 26.
The city has faced backlash for allowing events like the Khalsa Day Parade, which involved horseback riders on closed roads, while ignoring the needs of drivers. Critics suggest moving such events to parks or the CNE grounds, and performing roadwork overnight to minimize disruption.
The ongoing gridlock highlights a disconnect between city planning and the needs of residents and visitors, potentially becoming a key election issue.
