C&C Presents: a list of things you will not be able to do in Toronto this weekend

As the G20 Summit gets set to rock Toronto this weekend, make no mistake: this is not TIFF or the Virgin Music Festival. Toronto will literally be ground to a halt as 20* of the most important people in the world flood the city.

Here are just some of things you will not be able to do in the city this weekend:

• The CN Tower: it'll be closed to the public but the elaborate lighting effect system that was added a few years ago will be used to display the flags of visiting nations. Wonder how much that'll cost? Expect rolling blackouts as visiting delegates snap a salute to their 553-meter flag.

• The Rogers Centre: closed too, but we can hypothesize that should city jails become overcrowded, Rogers will be quick to offer up their massive containment facility. Katrina, anyone?

• See a show: all Mirvish theatres will be curtained for the entire week, and many others will be dark this weekend. Not such a downer, since the streets of Toronto will likely be dramatic enough for any critic's tastes.

• The Art Gallery of Ontario: closed for the weekend. However, thanks to protesters, the AGO will be presenting a selection of defaced public spaces when they reopen with a new collection entitled "Fenced Out."

• A club: Yeah, Richmond will be closed off this weekend, so anyone looking to let lose in the Entertainment District will have to settle for Guvernment, Queen West, College West, or if you're feeling really adventurous, Dundas & Sherbourne. There aren't any clubs there - just a lot of crack and guns.

• Go to work: if you are one of the thousands who work in the King & Bay towers, stay home. The Financial District will grind to a halt this week - ironic, considering the G20 Summit is all about finance and economics. Oh well, Canada's economy is doing better than most.

• Second City: it lies within the security perimeter "Red Zone" as it is being called, so there will be no laughs in Toronto this weekend. But hey, I hear that Karate Kid movie is good.

• Drive around: as if Toronto couldn't get any worse for motorists. Well, it will this weekend so DON'T DRIVE!

• Travel: since all the world leaders are expected to arrive and depart through Pearson International, the airport is expected to be a zoo. Union Station is also closed, with some GO and Via trains rerouted to Oakville - but not all. The TTC expects intermittent delays along all lines above and below ground, the PATH system will be closed, and as already mentioned, driving is out.

• Walk about freely: with thousands of cops on the streets, expect random bag checks, security check points, street closures, snipers, helicopters, and those are in the safe areas. If you happen to find yourself in the midst of a protest, expect sound and water cannons, riot police, tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, and Tazers. Careful, RCMP, you don't need another one...

That's just a short list of some of the things you will not be able to do. I should also mention if you are looking to catch a glipmse of your favorite celebrity world leader, you will be out of luck. Thanks to the 3-meter high security fence, you won't be able to see a thing. I guess we'll all just have to rely on the fair and impartial media to provide us with the details of these G20 meetings.

Oh God, it's going to be a long week.

*CORRECTION: Although the G20's name would suggest twenty major leaders, there are in fact 25 nations (including six guest nations not typically part of G20 events), 2 regional organizations (the European Council and the European Comission), and seven international organizations participating in this summit. For a detailed list of participants, click here.