Police say ‘unlawful behaviour’ will not be tolerated as large crowds expected at Woodbine Beach for Canada Day
By MATTHEW STEPHENS
With the city fireworks display set for Ashbridges Bay this Canada Day, the Toronto Police Service (TPS) have announced its enforcement plans for the Wednesday, July 1, celebrations in the Woodbine Beach area.
“Canada Day is one of the busiest days of the year along Toronto’s waterfront,” said 55 Division Supt. Dave Correa at a downtown press conference on the morning of Friday, June 26.
“We expect large crowds throughout the day and evening, particularly for the City of Toronto’s fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay.”
Correa said 55 Division will be working closely with city partners and emergency services to help ensure “a safe and enjoyable Canada Day.”
“We want everyone to enjoy the holiday, but we also want to be clear – unsafe or unlawful behaviour will not be tolerated,” said Correa. “If there is a risk to public safety, or if emergency responders are prevented from doing their jobs, officers will take appropriate enforcement action.”
He also issued a reminder to beachgoers that the use of personal fireworks is prohibited on beaches and in parks in Toronto, and that those shooting fireworks into crowds will face criminal charges.
‘We do lay criminal charges for firing fireworks at persons and individuals, so our young people and their parents need to be aware that it could result in a criminal charge with court proceedings, which will impact them for more than just a day.’ — Supt. Dave Correa.
“We do lay criminal charges for firing fireworks at persons and individuals, so our young people and their parents need to be aware that it could result in a criminal charge with court proceedings, which will impact them for more than just a day,” he said.
When asked about the chaotic outcome of this year’s Victoria Day celebrations over the May long weekend, Correa said there was “a spike in crime and disorder,” compared to fireworks celebrations in recent years.
“For us, when we deploy officers, we always look at the data surrounding previous incidents. In the most recent years, it seemed like there was a downward trend in terms of the disorder and crime that we were seeing,” said Correa.
“We’re using what we found on Victoria Day to help us plan for Canada Day. There will be an infusion of officers on that given day.”
Correa said Canada Day “attracts more persons than Victoria Day,” and that factors such as weather and “competing events” can determine how TPS anticipates crime and disorder.
To mitigate safety concerns during the upcoming July 1 celebrations, Correa said the Woodbine Beach area will see a “significant police presence in the area,” which will include officers on bicycles, ATVs, horseback, as well as on-foot patrols.
“We also have members of our public order units to assist us with public safety. Bylaw officers will also be on site throughout the day and evening,” he added.
Correa emphasized that during the fireworks celebration on the night of July 1, police’s primary focus will be ensuring public safety, which will be strategically enforced by “monitoring crowd dynamics, their activities, keeping emergency routes clear, and responding quickly to any issues that may arise.”
He pinpointed specific areas such as the Woodbine Beach bath house, where public order officers will be “strategically placed.”
The city’s firework’s display is set to start at 10 p.m. and will be visible from Woodbine Beach and along the entire length of the Boardwalk.
With “considerable congestion and road restrictions” expected over the July 1 holiday, Correa urged beachgoers to “plan ahead” and opt for public transportation to help keep roads clearer.
He also underscored the importance of mutual respect to ensure everyone visiting Woodbine Beach and surrounding areas can enjoy a safe Canada Day celebration.
“Our message is simple: enjoy the holiday, respect the community, follow the rules, and look out for one another. We look forward to helping everybody enjoy a safe and memorable Canada Day,” said Correa.
