Toronto is doing “everything” it can to mitigate disruption caused by major Gardiner Expressway rehabilitation work, says Mayor Olivia Chow.
Chow spoke to reporters at City Hall on Wednesday ahead of the start of this month’s city council meeting, where several issues will be discussed, including a member’s motion of Beaches – East York County. Brad Bradford on finding ways to speed up work.
He was asked about the disruptions and their impact not only on residents but also on the city’s economy, given the expected boost from music superstar Taylor Swift in November.
“We have to rebuild the Gardiner. There’s nothing we can do about it,” he said of the more than 60-year-old highway.
“We are doing everything we can to mitigate the disturbance caused by the reconstruction of the Gardiner.”
City to open Jameson Avenue on-ramp in pilot project
Last month, parts of the city’s main east-west highway were reduced by one lane in each direction between Strachan Avenue and Dufferin Street for “critical rehabilitation work.”
Those closures will be in place for the next three years and will only be temporarily lifted in 2026 for another major economic event: the FIFA World Cup.
Despite calls to reopen the Gardiner during Swift shows, the city said that would not be possible given that the closed lanes are being demolished and rebuilt.
However, Chow said Wednesday that the city will soon begin a pilot project to alleviate some of the delays.
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“We have an action plan to extend the opening of the Jameson (Avenue) on-ramp to the Gardiner while the Gardiner is repaired, and the pilot will begin this week,” he said, adding that involves amending the bylaw to have the ramp Access open between 2 pm and 7 pm Monday to Friday.
Chow said city staff are looking for ways to relieve gridlock on British Columbia Road and Lake Shore Boulevard.
Crews are also conducting noise tests on demolition work, Chow added, amid calls from the Ontario government to work 24/7.
Council will hear a motion from Bradford this week on Gardiner, asking for a staff report on ways to speed up the work.
Chow called that motion “redundant” and said staff is already working on a report that will be presented to the infrastructure committee this summer.
Toronto should get sales tax revenue when Swift is in town: Chow
Swift is expected to be a boon when she’s in town in November for six sold-out shows at the Rogers Centre.
Pat Tobin, general manager of economic development and culture for the city of Toronto, previously told Global News Toronto that ticket sales for Eras Tour shows could generate at least $120 million.
Aside from those purchases, Swifties will also spend on items like food, drink, and accommodation. There will also be attractions for those who couldn’t get a ticket, such as the recently announced “Taylgate” fan experience.
Tobin said all that tourism activity could generate an additional $500 million to $600 million for the local economy.
Chow said Wednesday that Toronto deserves a share of the sales tax revenue when Swift is here.
“Taylor Swift’s arrival in November will generate a lot of money for the federal and provincial government’s sales tax…. The city doesn’t get a dime from this,” she said.
“We hope our senior level of government will understand our needs and provide some support to Toronto.”
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