Personal fireworks for Canada Day return to Toronto this year, and police say they have a “stable” plan and “different resources” to ensure public safety after violent incidents erupted on Woodbine Beach over the long weekend for Victoria Day.
The city says Toronto police will continue to address public safety issues in parks and beaches this weekend on Canada Day, as thousands of spectators are expected to attend various city parks to watch the fireworks.
Police are also expected to be in full force in Ashbridges Bay Park, in the Toronto Beach neighborhood, this weekend after people were shot, stabbed and robbed in the park on May 22, the night before Victoria Day.
Seven police officers were also injured that evening, with one breaking a leg in pursuit of a shooting suspect and others being hit by multiple fireworks.
A total of 19 people were arrested and charged with the incidents, including 10 minors. Charges include general trouble, assault on a peace officer with a weapon, and robbery.
In anticipation of a busy weekend in Ashbridge Bay and other city parks where fireworks are taking place, the city says it has a plan to ensure public safety.
“There is a police operation for Ashbridge Bay and there will be various resources in the area to ensure that everyone can enjoy the beach safely. City officials will also be present to monitor the busy parks and beaches and answer questions if necessary, city officials said in a statement.
Toronto police say the city will have a number of city cameras placed in the parks, and police will carry body cameras and be able to “mobilize cameras” for investigative purposes if there is any criminal activity.
“We want to reassure residents and visitors that public safety is our top priority. We have a variety of resources that will be in the area to ensure that everyone can safely enjoy the event. The service will continue to address public safety issues in parks and beaches during the long weekend of Canada Day, “a police statement said.
At a press conference on Thursday Const. Alex Lee said police expected large crowds along the coast over the long weekend. He noted that the Toronto police have a “stable police plan.”
“Although we cannot go into details about our operational plans, we want the public to know that there will be a visible police presence and various resources. We will be in the area to ensure that everyone enjoys the weekend safely, “Lee said.
Lee reminded that the possession and lighting of personal fireworks in city parks and beaches is not allowed and warned that any reckless behavior involving fireworks, including their use as a weapon against the public and employees, will not be tolerated.
“Arrests will be made and charges will be brought when necessary,” he said.
Mayor John Torrey says there must be “zero tolerance” for people who commit “reckless, irresponsible actions.”
“There were no accidents, if you remember Victoria’s Day itself. The problems were in the previous days of the weekend, when people, for the most well-known reasons, decided to come and create problems on our beaches, “Tori told reporters at an event on Tuesday.
“So I can tell you that the police have learned from this kind of experience. They will implement their own plan to ensure that people are safe. I think the boss certainly has my full support to make sure that anyone involved in this kind of act is brought to justice and dealt with, because that’s just not something that’s acceptable in a city like this or anywhere. “
District 19 councilor Brad Bradford, who represents the Beach neighborhood, said he had spoken to police about locals’ safety concerns and was reassured that city and police resources would be allocated to the area.
“I sat down with the boss (James) Ramer to repeat the experiences and pleas I heard from the people in the area. “The boss and his team understand how important this long weekend is for so many people – and they will continue to do their best to ensure that people enjoy the beach safely and responsibly,” Bradford said in a statement to CP24.com.
A local police liaison officer and a representative of the neighborhood observer said she was not concerned about the violence that took place on the beach, especially during the fireworks this weekend, but about unplanned events that could lead to violence.
“We didn’t have any difficulties with the planned city events.” But what happened over the weekend of May 24 was an unplanned event on social media. So the events we are planning do not seem to create many problems like this, “Cindy Cass told CP24.com.
Cass is in talks with the local police department and says community members have suggested redirecting some TTC routes and setting up more barricades around the park to protect crowds from residential areas.
Cass also stressed the importance of a neighborhood monitoring program in all crime prevention communities.
“By knowing your neighbors, by creating events within your own small community, you get to know your neighbors, you know who they are, you can recognize suspicious activity that is happening.
The city will also host fireworks at Stan Wadlow Park, Millikon Park and Mel Lastman Square tomorrow.
There will be no fireworks in Centennial Park, as the Rotary Club Ribfest was postponed this year.
All fireworks in the city parks will start at 22:00
For residents who prefer to avoid Canada Day crowds, they can set up their own fireworks, without permission, at their private property until 11 p.m.
“Fireworks are not allowed in city parks or on beaches, balconies, streets, parking lots or property that is not owned by the person who sets off the fireworks. Only adults aged 18 and over should observe or light fireworks, officials said.
Police say there will be several demonstrations across the city this long weekend.
“Toronto has seen countless protests over the last two years. And our role is always to ensure public safety. We will monitor the situation and where required. We will be present to ensure the safety of those involved and the general public,” Const said. Lee said.
Asked if police had heard anything about a convoy protest in the city, Lee said he could not go into details about the planned demonstrations, but reiterated that they would all be “treated as usual”.
Authorities in the nation’s capital are preparing for possible protests by a convoy on Canada Day.
“We have plans to adapt to the changing environment, if necessary,” Lee said. “We will continue to monitor each situation individually.”
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