Drivers to face restrictions downtown for Leafs and Raptors playoffs, Blue Jays home games
Posted April 4, 2023 9:57 am.
Last Updated April 4, 2023 11:14 am.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for sports fans in Toronto with the return of baseball coinciding with basketball and hockey playoffs, but it also means increased traffic downtown.
The Toronto Raptors will likely be hosting a play-in game next Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, and those dates align with the Blue Jays return to the newly-refurbished Rogers Centre.
Police are warning drivers there will be a number of pre- and post-game road closures, and are encouraging fans to take transit or carpool.
“To ensure the safe flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, a number of road restrictions will be in effect at the end of every playoff game. There will also be pre-game restrictions on dates where both the Scotiabank Arena and Rogers Centre have overlapping events scheduled,” police said in a release.
Bremner Boulevard and York Street will be the most crucial intersection impacted, as it will only allow local traffic. However, drivers will also face pre-game and post-game restrictions on Blue Jays Way, Lower Simcoe Street and Rees Street.
The York Street closure cuts off one of the few downtown access points to the Gardiner.
“As with any large gathering that takes place in the city, TPS will have resources in the area to ensure public safety, minimize disruption and manage traffic,” police said.
To prepare of playoff action, the City says Bremner from Lake Shore Blvd to 15/25 York Street will be closed April 4-10.
Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment has once again applied for a closure of Raptors Way outside Scotiabank Arena for Raptors and Leafs playoff games.
Even if the Raptors don’t advance, the Toronto Maple Leafs begin their playoff run on April 17 or April 18, so drivers can expect more of the same in the weeks ahead.
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