Residents raise Woodbine Beach safety concerns in advance of Canada Day fireworks display
By MATTHEW STEPHENS
After a tumultuous May long weekend filled with noise complaints, reckless behaviour, and damage to public property, wary residents are cautiously anticipating the upcoming Canada Day fireworks celebration at Woodbine Beach on July 1.
“Victoria Day fireworks were an absolute nightmare this year. Almost got hit by the teens shooting and throwing fireworks into large crowds. Something needs to change down there!” reads local resident Carynn’s comment on a community Facebook post.
In the original post, a resident called on the Toronto Police Service (TPS) to increase its presence along Woodbine Beach during the summer months after receiving several reports of “a general increase in crime and disorder” from others in the community.
“I believe a stronger local police presence would help address these concerns before they become even more serious,” said the resident’s post. “Having officers who are regularly visible and engaged in the community can go a long way toward improving both public safety and people’s sense of security.”
In addition to requesting increased police presence during the summer, the resident also called on TPS to reopen the small police station at Donald D Summerville Olympic Pools at Woodbine Beach.
“Does anyone else think it would be a good idea to reopen the police station that was once located inside the Olympic Pool and bring back more foot and bike patrols in the Beaches?” asked the resident.
The Facebook post garnered more than 80 comments and 200 likes, sparking a broader conversation about public safety amongst other residents, who also believe police should increase their numbers in the area on weekends and evenings, when foot traffic is highest.
“Definitely a good idea to bring back more police in the beach, especially Friday and Saturday nights when the mischief happens,” reads a comment on the post.
Another resident agreed with the sentiment shared by the initial post, noting that it “makes sense to have that station opened.”
In an email from TPS media relations team, Senior Communications Advisor Nadine Ramadan said the satellite police office at the Olympic pool is “utilized throughout the summer season” and serves as a base of operations from May to October.
“In addition, we have a team of officers deployed as part of our Summer Safety Initiative,” said Ramadan. “They have been very active at Woodbine Beach and Ashbridges Bay and will continue to be throughout the summer months.”
She also noted that the Woodbine Beach portion of 55 Division’s coverage is one of six neighbourhoods with assigned Neighbourhood Community Officers (NCOs), who are permanently assigned to the area and “happy to connect” with residents who wish to vocalize their concerns directly to a local officer.
However, despite a commitment to implementing stricter enforcement during this year’s Victoria Day celebrations, some residents said police failed to adequately respond to many of the safety concerns that have been associated with long weekends in the Beach since the early 2020s.
“There was only so much the foot patrol cops/golf cart could do. It was 100 per cent out of control,” Michelle told Beach Metro Community News, recounting her experience at this year’s Victoria Day fireworks celebration on the evening of Monday, May 18. “I saw so many people get hurt. Either being shot by fireworks or from the crowds continuously scattering. It felt like only a matter of time before something really bad happened, so we ended up leaving before the fireworks even started.”
After narrowly dodging a firework shot in her direction, Michelle said she left Woodbine Beach that night, noting that the situation had become “too dangerous” to stay.
Residents also reported excessive noise from the Electric Island Festival at Woodbine Park on the May long weekend, and a slew of concerns connected to the Victoria Day fireworks display on the night of May 18. The Victoria Day concerns included littering, burning charcoal left from barbecues, fireworks shot into crowds, and vandalism of property.
Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford said there was “unacceptable” behaviour carried out on Victoria Day this year and he praised police for their swift response to several incidents.
“I was grateful for the quick response from Toronto Police officers to contain the unacceptable behaviour we saw at Woodbine Beach at the Victoria Day fireworks this year in May,” said Bradford in a statement to Beach Metro Community News.
In a previous email, TPS media relations team said police presence was increased in the area over the May long weekend, and that five arrests were made on Victoria Day, two of which related to fireworks.
Prior to this year’s Canada Day celebration, Ramadan said police will “have more to say” about their plans leading up to July 1, with more details expected to come closer to that date.
Bradford said he’s “working closely with Toronto Police and city staff” to ensure proper safety measures are in place before the Canada Day celebration takes place. This year’s City of Toronto Canada Day fireworks display is planned for Ashbridges Bay on Wednesday, July 1, starting at 10 p.m.
“I’m working closely with Toronto Police and city staff, including bylaw enforcement, to ensure that enhanced resources are in place so that we can have a safe and respectful environment for everyone to enjoy Canada Day at Woodbine Beach,” said Bradford.
However, residents are continuing to push the police to increase their presence in the area during the summer.
“Much more police presence needed in the evenings from May to September. Mobile units, bikes, foot patrol in the parks and boardwalk…It would make a HUGE difference,” said one resident.
