Two Huge Protests Downtown May Create Big Traffic Headaches

Here are the words for those looking to get anywhere in sections of the busiest parts of the downtown core Wednesday - don't come this way. Two protests will snarl traffic in the already gridlocked areas and it could stay that way for much of the afternoon.

The first demonstration is on wheels and involves what's expected to be a large number of taxi cabs heading in a line towards City Hall. The drivers have been involved in a long standing dispute over airport pick-ups and are making their displeasure known to local councillors. But for them - and you - getting there won't be half the fun.

The cabbies will assemble at the CNE and then take a long route toward Nathan Phillips Square, slowing everyone else down as they proceed. The procession starts at 10am at the Princes' Gates, turns onto Lakeshore Boulevard to the Dunn Avenue ramp, takes the Gardiner Expressway to York Street, goes northbound on University to Dundas Street West, then heads southbound on Bay to Queen Street West, before finally arriving at City Hall. Once there, the cars could circle the area repeatedly, creating more headaches in the always busy spot between University and Yonge. It's expected to last until at least 1pm.

But even if that one breaks up on time, another could create just as many problems. Anti-poverty protestors are planning to take to the streets at 11:30am, marching from a variety of downtown locations and ending up along University Ave. before making the journey to Queen's Park. That one could go on until at least 4pm, dispersing right in the heart of rush hour.

Police will be everywhere making sure all those involved keep the peace, but it seems that the only group that won't find any tranquility may be frustrated drivers trying to navigate through it all.