Large police presence planned for the Beach over the next four days in advance of upcoming Canada Day celebrations
By ALAN SHACKLETON
Toronto police will have a large presence in the Woodbine Beach and Ashbridges Bay area over the Canada Day long weekend as they make public safety in the area a priority between today and Tuesday, July 1.
At a news conference on the morning of Friday, June 27, at the Woodbine Bathing Station, 55 Division Acting Supt. Michael Hayles outlined some of the police’s plans for this long weekend.
He also reminded those planning on attending the area sometime of the next four days, including the city’s annual fireworks display on the night of July 1 at Ashbridges Bay, that the possession and use of personal fireworks and the consumption of personal alcohol is strictly prohibited in parkland throughout the entire Eastern Beaches area.
“There will be zero tolerance for the possession or use of alcohol and fireworks. We cannot stress this enough,” said Hayles. “There will be enough resources to conduct enforcement if necessary.”
Police want everyone to have a fun and safe time if they are visiting the area over the next four days, and to also be aware that there will be a visible presence of officers, City of Toronto bylaw enforcement officials, Toronto Fire Services and EMS members along the Eastern Beaches.
“There will be a police presence here for the entire long weekend, and residents and visitors can expect to see that,” said Hayles. “There will be officers on horseback, on foot and many of those officers will be wearing the ‘Guardian Angel Lights’, and on ATVs. There will also be the Marine Unit.”
The Guardian Angel Lights are used by Public Safety Response Team officers. “The lights will contribute to officer safety, making them more visible to motorists, pedestrians and other officers, or while in foot pursuits as they respond to dynamic situations. This enhanced visibility will also serve as a deterrent to criminal activity, ensuring that communities can fully enjoy their surroundings and public spaces without fear of harm or impacts from other criminal activity. Additionally, it will also create more opportunities for community members to liaise with our officers, strengthening relationships and trust,” said the Toronto police website
In light of issues that took place in the Woodbine Beach and the Woodbine Park areas on the Victoria Day and Canada Day long weekends in 2021 and 2022, police have made a point of informing the community and visitors about increased patrols and the rules regarding the use of personal fireworks and consuming alcohol prior to long weekends since 2023.
Since that time, incidents on long weekends in the area have been minor compared to the mayhem of 2021 and 2022.
Hayles also confirmed that police “intelligence” units are monitoring social media regarding any indications of illegally planned large-scale parties, unsanctioned music events or just talk of causing trouble in the area and will take appropriate action as necessary.
He also said there will be enforcement regarding excessive noise from speakers and other forms of amplified music. “We will also be monitoring the parking lots for that in regard to cars,” Hayles told Beach Metro Community News after the press conference.
Hayles pointed out that music fans will have an opportunity to enjoy bands performing at the permitted and legal Q107 Canada Day Picnic on July 1 that will take place from noon to 9 p.m.
Police will also be stepping up parking enforcement throughout the Beach area over the entire long weekend, and road closures can be expected on Tuesday, July 1, in advance of the fireworks that begin at 10 p.m.
“Drivers should expect major delays, including on Lakeshore Boulevard East. Parking will also be restricted. People should consider taking public transit, if possible, and the TTC will be adding additional buses to routes,” police in a news release on June 27.
Police also reminded those planning to attend the area over this long weekend of the following:
- Do not bring personal fireworks to the beach. The City will be providing a spectacular fireworks display that everyone can enjoy safely.
- Drinking alcohol on the beach is prohibited.
- Fires are not permitted in parks, beaches, or public spaces, except for City-designated fire pits (which require a permit).
- If possible, take transit to and from the beach to avoid traffic and other parking issues. There will be limited road use during certain times in the evening.
- If you drive to the beach, be mindful of residents in the area. Do not block driveways or fire hydrants.
- Keep music at a reasonable level. Amplified sound such as DJ equipment and large wireless speakers are not permitted.
- Police and bylaw officers will be patrolling the beach day and night.
