Canada: Police close roads in central Toronto as of Feb. 19

Event

Police in Toronto have closed a portion of the city center to vehicular traffic as of Feb. 19 in order to prevent protesters from gathering. The area bounded by Queen Street West, Church Street, Davenport Road, and Spadina Avenue is closed to most vehicles, although police are facilitating access to businesses and homes. The area remains open to pedestrians.

The road closures are likely to last through at least Feb. 20, causing significant transport disruptions.

Context

The road closures in Toronto follow weeks of disruptive protests in Ottawa in which demonstrators blocked roads with trucks. According to authorities, truck drivers intending on similarly blocking roads in Toronto arrived in the city late Feb. 18 but have since departed. The road closures are intended to prevent additional truck drivers from blocking roads in the city.

Advice

Allow for additional travel time throughout central Toronto. Reconfirm business appointments in the area.