Busy evening expected on Toronto waterfront as city hosts New Year's Eve celebration
Thousands of people are expected to make their way to Toronto’s Harbourfront area Saturday night as the city hosts a New Year’s Eve celebration.
The official festivities, which will include two, 15-minute synchronized fireworks displays, will run from 11:45 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. Sunday.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
While the high-altitude displays can be seen from anywhere that has views of Toronto’s inner harbour, some of the best places to enjoy the shows include Ireland Park, the Toronto Music Garden, HTO Park, HTO Park West, Harbourfront Centre grounds, Harbour Square Park, Sugar Beach Park, and Water’s Edge Promenade. All of these suggested locations are fully accessible.
Toronto police are urging revelers to plan ahead and do their part to ensure the event is safely enjoyed by everyone.
They are reminding people to dress for the weather and plan their ride by either having a designated driver, using public transit, or hiring a ride-share service.
People with young children are also being advised to have a plan in place in case they get separated from them.
Motorists are asked to be patient and factor in a lot of extra time to travel around the downtown area as there will be large crowds and busy streets, police said. The best option is to leave the car at home as a number of road closures will be in effect from 10 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 2 a.m. on Jan. 1.
They include the eastbound lanes of Queens Quay West, between Bathurst and Yonge streets, and the eastbound lanes of Queens Quay East, between Yonge and Lower Sherbourne streets. If needed, police may also close and/or divert cross streets south of Lake Shore Boulevard West.
Several ramps on the Gardiner Expressway will also be off limits starting at 11:30 p.m. tonight until 1 a.m. Sunday. They include the eastbound off ramps at Spadina Avenue and York/Bay streets, and the westbound off ramps at Lakeshore Boulevard/Spadina Avenue and Yonge Street.
Police said drivers can also expect other diversions in the downtown core area with the TTC and Metrolinx’s input.
The latest road closure information will be posted on Toronto Police Operations’ Twitter account at @TPSOperations.
Those unable to attend tonight’s event in person can tune in to an accompanying livestream set to a soundtrack of Canadian and international music artists on the city’s CultureTO YouTube channel.
People should note that the city’s New Year’s Eve event will not be based at Nathan Phillips Square this year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Police question man with gun, suppressor and fake IDs in Pennsylvania in connection with health care CEO killing, sources say
Police are questioning a man in Altoona, Pennsylvania, in connection with the shooting and killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, two law enforcement officials familiar with the matter tell CNN.
Family spokesman says slain Edmonton security guard had only been working 3 days
A spokesman for the family of a security guard who police say was murdered while patrolling an Edmonton apartment building last week says the man had only been on the job for three days.
Sask. hockey player recovering after near fatal skate accident during game
The Sask East Hockey League (SEHL) has released details of a near fatal accident at one of its games over the weekend – which saw a Churchbridge Imperials player suffer serious injuries after being struck with a skate.
GST break could cost Ottawa $2.7B if provinces don't waive compensation: PBO
The federal government's GST holiday would cost as much as $2.7 billion if provinces with a harmonized sales tax asked for compensation, the parliamentary budget officer said on Monday.
BREAKING Canadian government to table fall economic statement next Monday
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is set to table the federal government’s fall economic statement next Monday, the government announced today.
Hazardous conditions expected in some parts of Canada with weather warnings in effect
Hazardous conditions are expected in some parts of Canada this week.
Police search for three men who escaped from immigration holding centre in Quebec
Authorities are searching for three Chilean nationals who escaped from the Laval Immigration Holding Centre north of Montreal.
Celebrities spotted at Taylor Swift's final Eras Tour performance in Vancouver
Taylor Swift fans from around the world gathered in Vancouver on Sunday to witness the final performance of her massively popular Eras Tour, including a few celebrities.
The Canada Post strike involving more than 55,000 has hit 25 days
The Canada Post strike involving more than 55,000 workers has hit 25 days.