‘Policing plan’ in place for Canada Day fireworks, festivities at Ashbridges Bay Park
Toronto police say they have a plan in place on Canada Day for the City’s official fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay Park as well as for the rest of the long weekend.
“A policing plan is in place over the weekend, with public safety at the forefront, including the day before and following the event,” police said in a release.
“A variety of police resources will be in the area to ensure everyone can enjoy the event and weekend safely.”
Advertisement
This updates comes as police dealt with a slew of violent incidents at Ashbridges Bay and Woodbine Beach over the Victoria Day long weekend.
On the holiday Monday, five people were arrested following the fireworks show at Ashbridges Bay. However, police said the event was otherwise largely peaceful, in comparison to what transpired on the Sunday night.
There was a significant police presence for the fireworks show on the holiday Monday following the violence the night before at Ashbridges Bay and Woodbine Beach, which included a shooting, a stabbing, two robberies at gunpoint, and reports of people directing fireworks at others. Police police say 19 people were arrested and charged.
“I will tell you, my own approach, and Chief Ramer knows this, is there should be zero tolerance for people who engage in reckless, irresponsible acts like shooting fireworks at each other,” Mayor John Tory said on Tuesday.
“The chief has my full support in making sure that anybody who is engaged in that kind of act is brought to justice and dealt with.”
Advertisement
Details on Canada Day fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park
The City’s fireworks show at the park starts at 10 p.m. on Friday and is expected to draw large crowds. The fireworks can also be viewed on the boardwalk from Coxwell to Victoria Park avenues.
A portion of Lakeshore Boulevard East will be closed to traffic and drivers can expect delays in the area. Parking enforcement will also be heightened.
The TTC will be adding additional buses to several routes, to help people get to the park.
Police are also reminding people that personal fireworks in City parks and on the beaches are prohibited.
With files from Michelle Morton and Michael Ranger of CityNews
