Weekend need to know: Luminato and other events, road and TTC closures, masking update
Posted June 9, 2022 3:32 pm.
Last Updated June 12, 2022 7:20 am.
Almost all of the events we have not seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic are making a comeback in Toronto. From art and foodie festivals to a gala and bike rides, below are some things to do in the city this weekend.
With events returning to full strength, so are the weekend road closures. The closures are not just for events but also ongoing construction. Also, keep in mind there is a late TTC subway opening on Sunday, as well as updates to GO train service this weekend. Scroll below for a complete list.
We’re also updating you on what you need to know regarding Ontario’s mask requirements.
Have a safe and happy weekend.
Need to know: Mask mandate
Most provincial mask mandates have been lifted for indoor and outdoor events over the past few months.
As of Saturday, Ontario dropped its mandatory masking mandate for public transit and hospitals but they will remain in effect for long-term care and retirement homes.
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is strongly encouraging transit riders to continue to wear a mask while aboard public transportation. Some hospitals indicated Wednesday that they would keep masking policies in place.
Top weekend events
Luminato
Luminato Festival Toronto is the city’s international arts festival dedicated to performance, media and visual arts.
The festival will include filling Toronto with free concerts, onstage talks, and an Eco-Fair focusing on climate activism with appearances from social justice activist Dr. Pam Palmater, environmental activist Dr. David Suzuki and contemporary photographer and artist Edward Burtynsky — as well as many other events on tap throughout the coming days.
Burtynsky’s “In the Wake of Progress” — a look at humanity’s impact on the Earth — will be featured on screens surrounding Yonge-Dundas Square 8-11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Edward Burtynsky’s In the Wake of Progress will be featured at Luminato 2022. (Photo credit: Cassandra Popescu, provided by Luminato)
The festival, which started Thursday evening with a “live in-person takeover” at Yonge-Dundas Square, runs until June 19.
Foodalicious
Foodalicious returns to Downsview Park for 2022 with food trucks, craft beer and live music.
The weekend-long event will include foods and desserts from around the world, family-friendly rides and games, and mixology classes for the grown-ups.
The food festival runs from 12 noon until 9 p.m. Sunday.
Ride to Conquer Cancer
The in-person return of the Ride to Conquer Cancer is celebrating its 15th year, from Saturday in Toronto and Hamilton to Sunday in Niagara Falls.
This bike ride aims to raise funds for the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and will bring together thousands of cancer survivors, cyclists and supporters who spend months training and fundraising to participate in the two-day, 200-plus-kilometre ride.
Weekend road closures
ActiveTO
- Bayview Avenue, from Rosedale Valley Road to Lawren Harris Square; River Street, between Bayview Avenue and Spruce Street; and The Meadoway, from Brimley Road to Scarborough Golf Club Road, will be closed from 7 a.m. Saturday to 7 p.m. Sunday.
High Park
- Roads within High Park will be closed to vehicles during the weekend. Limited street parking is available on Bloor Street.
Word on the Street
- Queens Park Crescent East and West, from Wellesley Street West to Bloor Street West, will be also closed from 10:30 a.m. on Saturday to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Ongoing road, TTC work and construction
- Jarvis Street, from Carlton Street to Bloor Street East, including Ted Rogers Way, is reduced to one lane in each direction.
- Wellesley Street East, from Ontario to Sherbourne streets, is reduced to one westbound lane
Wellington Street, from Yonge to Church streets, is reduced to one westbound lane. - The Queensway, between Parkside Drive and Roncesvalles Avenue, are reduced to a minimum of one shared travel lane in each direction.
TTC subway closures
A TTC subway is seen at Toronto’s Union Station. CITYNEWS/File/Nick Westoll
Line 1
Due to work on the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit, there will be no subway service on Line 1 between Lawrence and St Clair stations on Sunday. Shuttle buses will run. Riders travelling south on Line who require an elevator will need to exit the train at York Mills Station. All stations will remain open for riders to connect to surface routes.
Line 2
Due to work on the Prince Edward Viaduct, service on Line 2 between St. George and Broadview stations will start by noon on Sunday. Shuttle buses will run. Bay and Sherbourne stations will be closed, but the rest of the stations will be open for surface route connection.
GO Transit service updates
Stouffville line
GO trains won’t be running on the Stouffville line from Friday evening until Sunday.
Replacement buses will run between Union Station Bus Terminal and Unionville, Centennial, Markham, Mount Joy, Stouffville, and Old Elm GO Stations, while some buses will also run express trips. The replacement buses won’t be stopping at Kennedy, Agincourt or Milliken GO stations.
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With files from Lucas Casaletto of CityNews
