Toronto Santa Claus Parade Announces New Route Detour Amid Construction

Santa Claus Parade Set for a New Journey Through Toronto

The 122nd edition of Toronto’s Santa Claus Parade will return on Sunday, November 22, with a significant change: a detour from its traditional parade route due to active construction on University Avenue. This well-loved holiday event promises the same festive atmosphere but will feature adjusted streets to ensure safety and accommodate ongoing city construction projects.

Details of the Construction Detour

The main reason for the changed parade route is ongoing water main repairs in the vicinity of College Street and University Avenue. According to the City of Toronto, the ongoing work directly affects several portions of University Avenue and Queen’s Park Crescent East, specifically:

• University Ave. (west side) from College St. to 120 metres north of Queen St. W. (construction complete)
• University Ave. (east side) from College St. to Armoury St.
• Queens Park Cres. E. from College St. to approximately 150 metres south of Charles St. W.

Rather than passing down University Avenue as usual, the parade will now travel farther along Bloor Street before turning south onto Yonge Street and proceeding to Queen Street. The procession will then rejoin its traditional route towards St. Lawrence Market.

Parade Route and Timing

This year’s Santa Claus Parade will begin at Christie Pits at approximately 12:30 p.m. and make its way through the city, ending near St. Lawrence Market. The new route includes a longer trek along Bloor Street, a turn down Yonge Street to Queen Street, and then continues as per the usual schedule.

Major Road Closures to Expect

With changes to the parade route, several major roads in Toronto will be closed temporarily. The closures include sections of:

• Bloor Street (W. from Dovercourt Road to Clinton Street and from Clinton Street to Church Street)
• Yonge Street (from Cumberland Street to Adelaide Street East, and from Adelaide Street West to Lake Shore Blvd)
• Queens Park (from Charles Street to Bloor Street)
• University Avenue (from Queen Street to Front Street)
• Bay Street (from Queen Street to Lake Shore Blvd, Cumberland Street to Charles Street West)
• Other affected streets: Christie Street, Richmond Street, Wellington Street, Bathurst Street, Spadina Avenue, St George Street, Wellesley Street, College Street, Dundas Street, Gerrard Street, York Street, Adelaide Street, King Street, Church Street, Front Street, Jarvis Street, Avenue Road.

The parade officials encourage drivers to plan their routes accordingly and consult the official Santa Claus Parade website for real-time information on road closures and reopening times.

Reasons Behind the Detour

The deviation from University Avenue is necessitated by the city’s ongoing water main repairs and road infrastructure upgrades. These construction projects impact some of the Toronto parade’s primary roads, requiring organizers to implement a construction detour to ensure the event’s continued safety and smooth operation for all participants and spectators.

Plan Ahead for Toronto’s 122nd Santa Claus Parade

Attendees and motorists should be aware of the updated parade schedule and road closures on November 22. The parade will start at Christie Pits around 12:30 p.m. and conclude at St. Lawrence Market. All are encouraged to check the Santa Claus Parade official website for up-to-date details on road closures and any schedule changes.

Source: nowtoronto.com.