Road closures, TTC service changes to take effect as TIFF kicks off

Several roads will be closed in the downtown core and some TTCstreetcar routes will change as the city hosts the Toronto International Film Festival starting Thursday.

The city says itsstaff and TTC officials are workingwith TIFF to ensure people can enjoy "Festival Street" with the least amount of convenience to those who have to travel in the area. TIFF takes place from Sept.5 to 15.

"Those who need to travel near road closures should plan their travel in advance, allow for extra time, consider taking public transit or other travel methods such as walking or cycling and follow signage in the work zone to keep everyone safe," the city said.

Festival Street includes stretch of King Street West

The following streets will be fully closed from 5 a.m. Thursday to 5 a.m. Mondayfor TIFF's Festival Street, which isa free pop-up street festival that includesmusic, screenings and installations:

• King Street W. between University and Spadina Avenues.
• Widmer Street between King and Adelaide Street W.
• Emily Street between Wellington and King Street W.
• Duncan Street between Pearl Street and Adelaide Street W.

The city said there will beother road closures as well downtown:

• John Street: From 5 a.m.Thursdayto 5 a.m. Monday,John Street will be closed between Wellington and King Street W.
• Simcoe Street: From 5 a.m. Thursday to 5 a.m. Tuesday, Simcoe Street will be closed between Wellington and Adelaide Street W.

A number of partial lane closures will also be in effect around the Shangri-La Hotel, Scotiabank Theatre and Princess of Wales Theatre until Tuesday, Sept.17, and around Roy Thomson Hall until Thursday, Sept.19, the city says.

TTC to adjust service on 3 streetcar routes

As for the TTC, it said it will making some service changes on the 504 King, 503 Kingston Road and 508 Lake Shore streetcar routes from Thursday to Monday due to TIFF. More information can be found here.

TIFFbrings thousands of film lovers to Toronto through film screenings, industry programming and free events, the city says.

"Major festivals and events generate significant economic and cultural benefits for Toronto and raise the city's profile on the world stage," the city said.