Police warn of ‘extreme’ traffic delays in North York Saturday due to rally that could be attended by 200,000 people

A Toronto Police Service logo patch is shown in Toronto, on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

Police say a large stretch of Yonge Street in North York will be closed Saturday for the Global Day of Action for Iran march.

In a news release issued Friday, police said “extreme” traffic and transit delays are likely between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., with the possibility that attendance at the rally “may exceed” 200,000 people.

“All travellers are strongly urged to bypass the area entirely to avoid severe congestion,” they said.

Officers will be in attendance.

The rally, in support of Iran’s Lion and Sun Revolution, will start with a march that begins at Yonge Street, south of Steeles Avenue, before it heads south to Yonge Street and North York Boulevard.

Parking will be prohibited on Yonge Street from Steeles to Sheppard Avenue between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. The street will be fully closed to all traffic, between Steeles and North York, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., police said.

A number of adjacent roadways will also be limited to local traffic only during the march. For a full list of the parking and traffic restrictions, click here.

TTC to adjust service

The TTC will adjust its service as needed to manage the crowds, police said, which could include staggered station closures if necessary.

Access to North York Centre Station will be limited during the event due to the high volume of foot traffic in the area. Sheppard Station is the recommended point of exit, police said.

The 97 Yonge Street bus will be on a detour after 11 a.m. as a result of the march.