The City of Toronto unveiled its FIFA World Cup preparations on Friday morning at city hall, delivering a clear message: leave the car at home. With nine teams and thousands of people expected to arrive for the tournament, the city is encouraging residents and fans to take transit, walk, or cycle.
Sharon Bollenbach, the city's World Cup executive director, stated: "The plan promotes a transit first approach, encouraging residents and fans to take transit, walk or cycle." She advised checking individual websites for updates and changes, as well as the city's website for key information.
TTC Service Enhancements
In response to the expected surge in demand, the TTC is boosting service across key routes. Fortunato Monaco, TTC chief operations and infrastructure officer, said: "We are boosting service across all points, that includes more streetcar service on key routes such as the 509 Harbourfront, 511 Bathurst, the 29 or 929 Dufferin bus and the 504 King. We are expanding subway service on Lines 1 and 2, including extending late night service on select nights and deploying dedicated shuttle services on match days."
Over 600 TTC special event ambassadors will be stationed at locations including Kipling, Dufferin, Bathurst, Union, and St Andrews stations to answer questions and provide directions.
Road Closures and Restrictions
Driving will be restricted, especially on game days. Andrew Posluns, the city's chief congestion officer and executive director of strategic capital coordination, explained: "There will be changes on the roads, especially near key venues like the Toronto Stadium and the FIFA Fan Festival as well as the waterfront. On match days, some neighbourhoods, like Liberty Village and Fort York, will be limited to local access only."
All road closures take effect hours prior to scheduled games and many hours after. Posluns detailed: "There will be some targeted road closures near the venue. This includes Dufferin from Springhurst Avenue south to Saskatchewan Drive, Strachan Avenue from east of Liberty Street and down to the Lakeshore, and Lakeshore Boulevard East from Bathurst Street to British Columbia Drive. These closures will start five hours ahead of the kick-off and they will be wrapped up three hours after the match concludes. Drivers who use these routes should be aware and plan ahead."
Police Presence and Security
Toronto Police will be deployed in full force, with additional support from neighboring services. Deputy Chief Robert Johnson said: "Tens of thousands of officers will be deployed and, depending on the day and what else is happening in the city, you will see officers from neighbouring police services. There will be officers here from Peel Region, York Regional Police, the Durham Regional Police Service, the OPP, and the RCMP."
Johnson also highlighted restrictions on drones and pyrotechnics: "Drones remain restricted in and around Toronto Stadium, FIFA Fan Festival, Centennial Park and Downsview Park. It is a federally designated no-fly zone for all drones. Fireworks are strictly prohibited on the street, in Toronto Stadium and the FIFA Fan Festival. Using pyrotechnics of any kind could result in a fine of up to $1,000."
Metrolinx Service Plan
Metrolinx COO Sean Fuller confirmed: "The service plan is ready to go. Metrolinx is ready to go, and it starts this coming Wednesday. From June 10 to July 5, we will be doing additional FIFA service for the duration." Metrolinx will increase train service on the Lakeshore line with 15-minute intervals, along with regional bus trips to accommodate visitors. Fuller advised paying attention to signage around the Exhibition stop, as things will change: "Exhibition Stadium will look different with additional customer service people on site, and safety staff. Please follow the signage and everything will be laid out. It is very safe to move people into the event but also post event as well."
