Taylor Swift is coming to Toronto for a handful of shows next month, and the city is making sure it is “Ready For It.”
The American pop star has six sold-out shows in Toronto set to take over the Rogers Centre on the weekends of November 14-16 and 21-23, and ever since the 2023 announcement that she would be making an Eras Tour stop in Toronto this November, the city has been working to prepare for the influx of fans set to attend her shows.
The concerts are set to boost the city’s economy, with officials anticipating as many as 500,000 visitors will head to the city for the concerts, including those who are accompanying concertgoers, but not seeing the show themselves.
According to Destination Toronto, the six shows are expected to generate more than $282 million in economic impact and more than $152 million in direct spending, with those visiting the city making up 93 per cent of spending.
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To manage safety and security during Toronto’s Swiftie era, Toronto police will be activating its Emergency Operations Centre during concert days, while Toronto police will have a “significant and visible presence” both inside and outside of the concert venue.
On Thursday, the city announced plans for the upcoming Eras Tour stops, including free Swift-themed installations ahead of the shows and road closures planned for concert days.
FREE PRE-CONCERT PROGRAMMING
People in the city will be able to enjoy specially curated poetry-inspired programming ahead of the concerts, dubbed the “T.O. Poets Department,” as a nod to the singer’s most recent album.
T.O. Poets Department will include free public, family-friendly activations, including roaming poets performing on “Taylor Swift Way,” during concert dates from 1-4 p.m. The affectionately named “Taylor Swift Way,” is a temporary moniker for the route running from Nathan Phillips Square to the Rogers Centre.
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Activations will also include “City Block Poetry,” where Toronto poets invite people to use blocks featuring different words from Taylor Swift lyrics to create poetic phrases. The blocks will be found from 1 to 5 p.m. on show dates at Nathan Phillips Square, Campbell House and David Pecaut Square.
The programming will also feature “Street Talk Stencils” featuring poetry from six Toronto poets added to sidewalks in select areas of Taylor Swift Way for the duration of Swift’s stop in Toronto. The stencils will allow pedestrians to take in the poetry and learn more about the artist behind it through QR codes.
The programming has been organized by Toronto’s Poet Laureate, Lillian Allen, with support from the City’s Youth Poet Laureate Shahaddah Jack.
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GETTING AROUND TORONTO
To avoid seeing “Red,” the city is encouraging people to avoid driving to the shows, recommending residents and visitors walk, cycle, and take transit to get to and from the venue.
Both the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and Metrolinx are planning to offer increased transit service to help accommodate the event. More information on the TTC’s train, bus and streetcar service can be found here, while more information on GO Transit services can be found here.
Meanwhile, those planning on taking the TTC are encouraged to consider utilizing stations other than Union, including St. Andrew, Osgoode and King, when travelling to and from the November shows.
Those considering cycling should know that the city is adding extra bikes and valets to the Bike Share Toronto stations throughout the city to help people get around during the city’s Swiftie era.
Meanwhile, to combat anticipated traffic congestion and to try to help people get around the city safely and efficiently, the city has planned several road closures and restrictions that will be in effect on show days, including on parts of the Gardiner Expressway, Front St. and Bremner Blvd. You can find a full list of those closures here.
DROP-OFF, PICK-UP AND PARKING
For Swifties planning to take the car, there are more than 2,000 parking spaces available at the 40 York Street and 2 Church Street Green P parking garages, located within walking distance of the Rogers Centre. Both garages are equipped with EV charging stations.
Meanwhile, those who can’t find a space at either of those garages can “Shake It Off,” and try to find a spot at Exhibition Place, where limited parking will be available at lots located at 6 Saskatchewan Road and 20 British Columbia Road.
People who are not attending the concert but are designated drivers for their favourite Swifties can drop-off and pick-up their loved ones in the following dedicated zones:
- Front Street West between Bathurst Street and Spadina Avenue (south side)
- Bay Street between Richmond and Wellington Streets (west side)
- York Street between Wellington and Adelaide Streets (west side)
- Queens Quay between Bay and Freeland Streets (south side)
- Lake Shore Boulevard at Rees Street (north side)
These spots are also the designated locations for drop-offs and pick-ups by taxis and rideshare drivers.
