Humber Bay Shores residents say they can’t stand the traffic congestion, influx of people and noise that comes with the Cirque.
Concerns about traffic congestion, noise and bright lights are being raised as another run of the popular Cirque du Soleil show is slated to begin at Humber Bay Shores.
The Humber Bay Shores Residents Association (HBSRA) in a March 21 letter to Cirque officials and Councillor Amber Morley complained the situation is so bad that residents have to leave their condos with their pets when the show is on.
The Cirque du Soleil is planned to run from May 8 to July 21 at the former Christie Cookie site at 2150 Lake Shore Blvd. W., across from dozens of high-rise condos.
Residents warn its only a matter of time before a show-goer is hit or killed by vehicle outside the show.
The HBSRA wrote attendees face ‘the risk of serious injury or death’ due to the traffic congestion from the show and by crossing the street illegally between moving TTC streetcars.
“The traffic congestion both vehicular and pedestrian is already a quagmire in this neighbourhood,” the group warned. “Confused Cirque-goers may be standing in the middle of the roadway or crossing lanes of traffic get on or off the TTC streetcar.”
They said the area is already congested with taxis, Ubers and drivers who are unfamiliar with Lake Shore Blvd. W., and are attempting to navigate the neighbourhood.
The Cirque du Soleil is back in town from May 8 to July 21 at the former Christie Cookie site at 2150 Lake Shore Blvd. W., across from dozens of high-rise condos.
The HBSRA said a lack of sidewalk on the north side of Lake Shore Blvd. W., near Brookers Lane, leads to many show-goers jaywalking to get to the show.
The group suggested traffic wardens be installed at key intersections on Lake Shore Blvd. W., while the show is on to direct pedestrian and vehicles.
The HBSRA complained residents suffer nuisances ranging from an influx of people, traffic, noise, vibrations and bright lights during the show.
“Vibrations from Cirque’s loudspeakers could be felt inside homes,” according to the letter. “Residents could audibly discern what Cirque were speaking or singing into microphones.”
The group complained that ‘the same soundtrack of music would repeatedly play on loop throughout the day and night.”
“The drumming and constant music noise was nearly impossible for residents to avoid with their windows shut,” according to the HBSRA.
Humber Bay Shores residents say they are bothered by the noise, bright lights and vibrations from the show.
The group called for a roadway on the Cirque site for taxis, ride share and shuttle buses that will also serve as a drop-off and pick-up point.
“We strongly suggest law enforcement should be stationed on Lake Shore Blvd. W. to enforce prohibitions against stopping or parking,” they wrote.
Some residents are forced to leave their condos with their pets when the show is on due to the noise, vibrations and light, according to the HBSRA.
“For anyone facing the site its absolute torture hearing the same booming music several times a day for months,” Michelle Amenta complained on social media. “Unreal that it’s allowed to be that loud in a residential neighborhood.”
One of the many performers at the Cirque du Soleil show.
Kelly Casey said she had to turn up the volume on her TV to curb the noise.
“Noise mostly the booming base that was so disturbing,” Casey wrote. “Seeing people not use traffic signals and just run out with traffic turning and multi lanes was mental.”
“Booming noise,” complained Abigail Johnson. “And outdoor spotlights on all night.”
The Cirque couldn’t be reached for comment.