Toronto could temporarily close additional roads during FIFA World Cup

The Toronto sign in Nathan Phillips Square is shown at city hall in Toronto on Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Evan Buhler

A city bureaucrat may be granted new powers to temporarily close roads during the FIFA World Cup.

In a report headed to Mayor Olivia Chow’s executive committee this month, staff recommended that the general manager of transportation services be granted the authority to amend traffic and parking rules set out in the Municipal Code for the duration of the sporting event between June 10 and July 31.

The report states that the new powers would allow the general manager to temporarily close vehicular and pedestrian traffic on “any highway or portion of a highway” for up to 90 days as required for managing traffic before, during, and after the World Cup.

“Staff are recommending the implementation of temporary traffic and parking changes that are routinely put in place for the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) to manage similar issues during FWC26,” the report read.

“These amendments are critical to maintaining traffic flow, reducing congestion-related delays, minimizing vehicle-pedestrian conflicts, and ensuring that curbside space is allocated to support operational and safety needs.”

Staff also propose giving the head of transportation services the power to open the westbound on-ramp to the Gardiner Expressway from westbound Lake Shore Boulevard West at Jameson Avenue “at any time between 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.” from Monday to Friday during the tournament.

The city previously released details of its FIFA World Cup mobility plan, which recommends temporary closures on a number of roads, including a portion of Lake Shore Boulevard West, and boosting transit service for routes around Exhibition Place.

Six matches will be played in Toronto between June 12 to July 2 at Toronto Stadium in Liberty Village. The FIFA World Cup runs from Jun 11 to July 19 and will be jointly hosted by other cities in North America, including Vancouver.

An estimated 300,000 visitors will arrive in Toronto for the World Cup, including fans heading to the FIFA Fan Festival at The Bentway in Toronto’s Fort York neighbourhood.

City staff previously said they expected an up to 15 per cent increase in traffic volumes downtown during match days.

The city has proposed boosting streetcar service on both the Bathurst and Harbourfront routes as well as ramping up buses on Dufferin and Ossington. A new shuttle will also run from St. Andrew Station to a transit hub on Fleet Street.

Service on GO Transit will run every 15 minutes along the Lakeshore East and West lines throughout the tournament.

UP Express will “support late night airport travel” with extended hours, Sean Fuller, Metrolinx’s chief operating officer, previously confirmed.

Parking restrictions, turn prohibitions, no stopping, and no standing prohibitions will be in effect at various times during the World Cup.

Street parking may also be removed on Dundas Street West and King Street West.

Mini soccer pitch at Nathan Phillips Square

Other proposed changes around Toronto for the upcoming World Cup include a mini soccer pitch in the reflecting pool at Nathan Phillips Square. Staff are also recommending the sale of beer and wine at the square between May 18 and July 20, 2026 as part of the World Cup festivities.

The Bentway under the Gardiner Expressway will be transformed into the official FIFA Fan Festival hub, showing matches on the big screen. Live music and food vendors will also be on site. It should be noted that the Garrison Crossing Bridge will be closed for the duration of the World Cup.

Fireworks

Staff is also asking council to authorize the use of special effects pyrotechnics as part of World Cup events at Fort York, The Bentway, and Nathan Phillips Square.

With files from CP24’s Joanna Lavoie