Public safety in the Beach to be priority for police and city services this Victoria Day long weekend
By JULIA SAWICKI
Toronto police said public safety in the Beach will be a priority this Victoria Day long weekend.
Supt. David Correa of 55 Division discussed concerns regarding past issues such as crowding, illegal fireworks, illegal alcohol consumption and parking in the area at a news conference at the Woodbine Beach Bathing Station on the morning of Friday, May 15.
Correa said additional officers and specialized units will be deployed throughout this long weekend, and that police will be available to address any concerns or safety issues alongside other city departments and services.
“From today, up until Monday evening, the Toronto police, working with its partners, have created an operational plan to be able to support public safety,” said Correa.
“We’ve partnered with city bylaw, Toronto Fire Services, Toronto Paramedics, City of Toronto and various police resources that include the mounted unit, the officers on patrol on foot, officers on bikes and ATVs and side-by-sides (utility vehicles with two front seats),” he said.
Correa emphasized that fireworks are not permitted on the beach. Residents may be fined for discharging or illegal possession of fireworks at any Toronto public beaches or parks as per Toronto bylaws.
He also reminded those taking part in festivities that the entire length of the beaches from Ashbridges Bay Park to the R.C. Harris Water Treatment plant and adjacent parklands are not part of the city’s Alcohol in Parks program. He said alcohol is strictly prohibited in the area.
Attendees should also be aware that no bonfires or drone photography activity will be allowed in the area, and noise and music volume will also be monitored.
The increased enforcement and police presence follow incidents in 2021 and 2022 involving violence and disorderly crowds on long weekends and when there were city fireworks displays at Ashbridges Bay. Since then, Toronto police have been emphasizing the ban on fireworks and alcohol consumption, to protect the Beach area, visitors the beaches and parks, and local residents.
“I would also like to offer some assurances to members of the public that with the advancements that we have in place to ensure public safety, that all steps will be taken to make sure that investigations are conducted in a fulsome way and that members of the community have officers available to support any of their safety concerns,” said Correa.
He reminded those planning to visit the area this weekend, or on Monday night specifically for the fireworks display, that parking is extremely limited and encouraged visitors to use public transit. Correa said parking officers will be tagging and towing vehicles that are obstructing private driveways or businesses.
Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford also addressed the media at this morning’s news conference and echoed the warnings given by Correa.
“As folks are well aware here in this community and across the city, there have historically been some challenges at Woodbine Beach,” said Bradford.
“We’ve learned from those experiences and we have been able to, through my office and working with Toronto police, working with city park staff and the TTC, put those resources in place to make sure that everybody can celebrate the long weekend and the unofficial kickoff to summer, and do that safely.”
The City of Toronto’s Ashbridges Bay fireworks display will celebrate Victoria Day on Monday, May 18, starting at 10 p.m.
“Leave the fireworks to the professionals,” emphasized Bradford to those thinking they might bring their own fireworks down to the beach.
“We have a fantastic show keyed up for you this weekend. We want everyone to come down and enjoy it safely.”
For more information on road closures, and how to enjoy this Victoria Day long weekend safely, please visit https://www.tps.ca/media-centre/news-releases/65937/
