Several downtown roads will be closed and some TTC streetcar routes will be changed due to the Toronto International Film Festival starting on Thursday.

City officials said their staff and TTC representatives are working with TIFF to ensure people can enjoy Festival Street in the most convenient way possible for those who need to get around the area. TIFF will take place from Sept. 5-15.

“People who must travel near road closures should plan their travel in advance, allow extra time, consider using public transit or alternative modes of transportation such as walking or biking, and follow construction zone signage to keep everyone safe,” the city said.

The Street Festival includes a section of King Street West

The following streets will be completely closed from 5am on Thursday until 5am on Monday for Festival Street, a free, temporary street festival featuring music, screenings and installations:

• King Street W. between University Avenue and Spadina Avenue.
• 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.

City authorities announced that other roads in the city center will also be closed:

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

City officials said some lanes will also be closed around the Shangri-La Hotel, Scotiabank Theatre and Princess of Wales Theatre until Tuesday, September 17, and around Roy Thomson Hall until Thursday, September 19.

TTC adjusts service on 3 streetcar routes

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

City officials say TIFF attracts thousands of movie lovers to Toronto through film screenings, industry programs and free events.

“Major festivals and events bring significant economic and cultural benefits to Toronto, and also raise the city’s profile on the international stage,” the city said in a statement.