Graffiti spotted on the RBC bank branch on the southwest corner of Spadina Avenue and Dundas Street in Toronto.
The G20 security zones have been revealed and downtown dwellers have two options the weekend of the summit: be patient or get out.
The Integrated Security Unit (ISU) announced Friday that Toronto should expect severe travel restrictions from June 25th to June 27th as a result of the security perimeter and the traffic zone.
On June 7, security fences will be erected to demarcate the high security zone which will extend from Bay Street to Blue Jays Way, with a northern boundary of Wellington Street East, while the southern line will zig-zag down York Street, west on Bremner, south on Simcoe, west on Lakeshore and around the Rogers Centre.
The fences will be constructed 24 hours a day until it is completed, said Toronto Police Superintendent Tom Russell. They will not be razor-wired but will be similar to those seen at Indy race car tracks.
A fence will also enclose the Westin Harbour Castle to protect delegates staying in the hotel.
Registration card applications have been distributed to those living or working in the security zones to expedite their passage through checkpoints.
A traffic zone will extend from Spadina to Yonge and King to Queens Quay. Toronto Police will be in the area to ensure cars do not stop, idle or park. Vehicles that violate this will be tagged or towed.
"Vehicle traffic [in the zone]will engage with a Toronto Police officer," said Superintendent Russell. Residents and workers traveling through the area are being asked to "exercise patience when doing so," he added.
The ISU did not address issues of public damage but continuously asked Torontonians to be patient.
After the ISU's announcement, Councillor Adam Vaughan voiced his opinion on the Federal government's decision not to foot the bill for property damage stemming from the G20.
"Stephen Harper will spend more on his haircuts than [what]will be given in compensation to Toronto residents and businesses and residences for this summit. That's offensive," said Mr. Vaughan.
In a press conference held at City Hall, Mayor David Miller offered a more optimistic view.
"The city is proud to host the G20. We're pleased to showcase the city to the world," he said.
In response to the increased security, Mr. Miller offered a tip to the public.
"We ask people who don't need to be in downtown Toronto to enjoy another part of our city."
How your travel might be interrupted during the G20 weekend:
Roadways:
- 400-series highways, the Gardiner Expressway, the Queen Elizabeth Way and Lakeshore Boulevard will be accessible. however, "significant traffic disruption is anticipated."
- Highway 427 and the Gardiner will experience delays due to motorcade travel.
- On june 25th and 26th, the Gardiner Expressway's York, Bay and Yonge Street exits will be closed. The York Street ramp going westbound will be closed on June 27th
- There will be no vehicle traffic on Front Street, west of Bay Street, but a "Kiss & Ride" and "Taxi Stand" will be set up temporarily east of Bay Street.
Go Transit
- From June 25th to June 27th, the Front Street exits from Union Station will be closed and passengers will have to use the east and west exits.
TTC
- From June 25th to June 27th, the 6 Bay and 72A Pape routes will be diverted.
- During the weekend, the 509 and 510 streetcars stop at Queen's Quay Station.
PATH System
- The 28-kilometre underground stretch will be closed from teh evening of June 25th to June 27th.
- Entrances exiting and entering the security perimeter will also be closed once the area is secured.
Ferry Services
- The ferry route between Ward's Island and the mainland will shut down on the evening of June 24th following its last departure from the city at 11:15 p.m. and from the island at 11:30 p.m.
- The public ferry route will be redirected to Ward's Island to accomodate residents.
For more information about the security zone and its affects, visit the G20 Integrated Security Unit website here.
With files from Adrian Morrow