Starting on Friday, not only is it the grande opening of the CNE,  but it's also the kickoff for Celebrate Yonge, which could mean headaches if you plan on driving downtown.

Road closures have already started between Queen and Gerard on Yonge, meaning there will only be one lane open in each direction to traffic for a month.

The goal is to increase pedestrian traffic and make that section of Yonge Street a more socially welcoming one. Instead of cars, there will be larger pedestrian walkways, licenced patios, and even some picnic areas.

Speaking on NewsTalk 1010's Friendly Fire Monday evening, Councillor Kristen Wong-Tam says this is important to try and bring back the glory days of Yonge Street. The Celebrate Yonge festival is being hosted by the Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area and a spokesperson says this is just a one-time event. However, Wong-Tam insists this is an experiment of sorts and that it could mean the start of a new look at downtown Yonge Street.

Wong-Tam suggested the timing was right, because Celebrate Yonge coincided with the start of the CNE on Friday, and would lead into the start of the Toronto International Film Festival.

All lanes of Yonge Street will re-open on September 16.