Toronto's Do West Fest closed early after overcrowding
Do West Fest shutdown sparks safety concerns as police cite crowding and traffic See what led to the early closure and what organizers may change next year
Toronto police shut down Do West Fest about an hour early on Saturday night after crowding and traffic congestion created safety concerns in the westend festival area.
Organizers said attendance was expected to top one million over the weekend and that they had asked for more police resources, including paidduty officers, to help with crowd and traffic control. Police said the buildup of people and parked cars could have blocked emergency access.
The festival ran from Friday to Sunday along Dundas Street West between Ossington and Lansdowne avenues. Police reported dozens of calls for service during the event, including theft complaints and several arrests. Organizers and police say they will review what happened and consider changes for future editions.