Tickets issued after thousands gather at Woodbine and Cherry beaches Sunday night

Police said they received reports over the weekend of people setting off fireworks in public places, despite the stay-at-home order. Audra Brown has the details.

By News Staff

Posted May 24, 2021 10:38 am.

Last Updated May 24, 2021 8:48 pm.

Toronto police estimate thousands gathered at Woodbine and Cherry beaches on Sunday night, shooting off fireworks for Victoria Day.

Const. Ed Parks said police received several calls about the gatherings and some people were issued tickets, but it is unclear how many.

Posts on social media show show people gathered on the beach watching fireworks as well as garbage strewn across the beaches Monday morning.

@JohnTory This was Woodbine Beach last night. Any reason why a) there was little to no police presence? b) if we're in lockdown/stay at home why is there so many being allowed to party like there's no pandemic? I've not been home since March 2020 just so others can have fun. pic.twitter.com/92N2WxwFqY

— 'That Broad' (@Baciandrio) May 24, 2021

Why are Torontonians so lazy and disgusting? Just one of many scenes this morning at Woodbine Beach. pic.twitter.com/iO2LKd6Fum

— Lesa Hannah ???????? ???????????? (@LesaHannah) May 24, 2021

Area residents and city crews were also seen cleaning up the garbage left behind by visitors.

https://twitter.com/jeromeg01/status/1396849004516986881

Const. Parks said dedicated enforcement teams will be out in the city Monday to educate people and enforce gathering limits. Outdoor gatherings are currently limited to five people.

City of Toronto spokesman Brad Ross said “we all need to do our part” to get the pandemic behind us and people should be obeying the province’s stay-at-home order.

“If out, the right thing to do is to put litter in receptacles or bring it with you to dispose of properly so that everyone is able to enjoy the beach and the city’s more than 1500 parks litter-free,” he said in a statement.

In a release last week, The City of Toronto said that residents are not allowed to set off fireworks in a city park, street, parking lot or other people’s private property.

Setting off fireworks with household members on private property is allowed without a permit on Victoria Day and Canada Day. While a permit is required to set off fireworks on private property on any other day, applications are not being accepted due to the province’s stay-at-home order.

Ontario’s current stay-at-home order is set to expire on June 2.