Toronto's Biggest Attractions Announce Mass Closures & Cancellations
Popular destinations in the city are closing temporarily.
Destinations across Ontario are announcing closures and cancellations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of March 13, the provincial government has confirmed a total of 74 positive coronavirus cases, with 580 cases under investigation. With these growing numbers of coronavirus in Toronto, many tourist hotspots such as the CN Tower, the AGO and the ROM are closing for several weeks.
On Friday, Dr. David Williams, Ontario's chief medical officer of health, announced that he is recommending a suspension of all events and public gatherings of over 250 people.
Ontario MPP Lisa MacLeod announced that all Explore Ontario conventions and attractions will be closing temporarily. This list includes places like the Ontario Science Centre, the ROM, the AGO, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, among others.
"The health and well-being of Ontarians is our government's number one priority. Based on the advice of Dr. David Williams, Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, and the experts at the province's Command Table, we have been taking decisive steps to contain the virus and continue to protect the public," explained Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.
The Government of Canada is also advising that all Canadians avoid non-essential international travel amid the pandemic.
Several universities have also cancelled their classes and are preparing to migrate to online courses for the rest of the term.
Now, multiple big events are being cancelled and tourist hotspots being shut down as the city works towards limiting public exposure to the coronavirus. Below is a list of newly announced closures and suspensions.
CN Tower
When: Saturday, March 14 - April 14, 2020
Address: 290 Bremner Blvd., Toronto, ON
The CN Tower announced that it will be closed from March 14 until April 14, 2020. The popular attraction states it is placing "the health and safety" of its staff, guests and tenants at top priority during the pandemic.
Downsview Park
When: March 14 - April 14, 2020
Address: 70 Canuck Ave., Toronto, ON
Downsview Park will cancel all of its educational programmings at the end of the day this Friday and will not be reopened until April 14.
Events At Scotiabank Arena
When: Until further notice
Address: 40 Bay St., Toronto, ON
A number of events, including Raptors games, Toronto Maple Leafs games and concerts such as Pearl Jam have been postponed or cancelled until further notice.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
When: March 15, 2020
Address: Queens Park and Bloor Street W., Toronto, ON
The parade organizers have announced that the festivities will be cancelled in light of public health concerns. A variety of St. Patrick's Day parades have been cancelled around the world, including New York and Ottawa.
Massey Hall & Roy Thomson Hall
When: Until further notice
Address: 60 Simcoe St., Toronto, ON & 178 Victoria St., Toronto, ON
All events at Roy Thomson Hall and Massey Hall will be cancelled for the next two weeks, after which the situation will be re-evaluated.
Sugar Shack Toronto
When: March 14-15, 2020
Address: 11 Dockside Dr., Toronto, ON
Sugar Shack 2020 has been cancelled over concerns about COVID-19. The next scheduled event is set to take place in 2021.
The Hockey Hall Of Fame
When: March 14 - April 6, 2020
Address: 30 Yonge St., Toronto, ON
The Hockey Hall of Fame has announced that it will be closing its doors from March 14 until April 6. The closure is due to the high amount of traffic the venue usually sees over March Break.
Toronto Comicon
When: March 20-22, 2020
Address: 255 Front St. W., Toronto, ON
Comicon has announced that it will be cancelling its 2020 event; fans are now able to request for ticket refunds.
Collision
When: June 22-25, 2020
Address: 100 Princes' Blvd., Toronto, ON
The large tech conference has announced that it will no longer be holding Collision in Toronto. Instead, the conference will be moving to an "at home" conference, where attendees can view events online.
Art Gallery Of Ontario
When: March 14 - April 5, 2020
Address: 317 Dundas St. W., Toronto, ON
The AGO has announced that due to the safety of their visitors, staff and volunteers, it will be closing its doors from March 14 until April 5.
Ontario Science Centre
When: March 13 - April 5, 2020
Address: 770 Don Mills Rd., North York, ON
As of 5 p.m. on Friday, the Ontario Science Centre will be closed. It will reopen on April 5, 2020.
Casa Loma
When: March 13 at 5 p.m.
Address: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON
Toronto's Casa Loma has announced a temporary closure, effective Friday, March 13. Casa Loma states that privately booked events and the Blueblood Steakhouse will not be impacted by the closure, as the capacities are smaller.