Toronto Police move to keep Beach area safe during Canada Day fireworks
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The City of Toronto is expected to put on a spectacular fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay Park on Canada Day.
Just don’t bring your own fireworks or alcohol.
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That’s the message from Toronto Police ahead of the holiday long weekend as they try to discourage a repeat of violence and mayhem from past celebrations.
“Fireworks in the past at city events have been utilized as weapons,” Insp. Michael Hayles said Thursday morning.
“If you point and fire these fireworks off at folks, the messaging has to be, we have to be smart. Fireworks can cause a lot of damage, and we will have enough resources here to address any criminal incidents such as that.”
Violence marred a Victoria Day celebration last year in the Beach area, which resulted in two men being shot, another stabbed and seven police officers injured.
Insp. Hayles said there will be a lot of police resources at Ashbridges Bay Park and Woodbine Beach, along with members of Toronto Fire and Toronto Paramedic Services.
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“Public safety is always going to be a No. 1 concern for the Toronto Police Service,” he said. “We have a plan in place, with adequate resources, that are going to be able to address and respond to any incidents of criminal behaviour.
“However, our main focus is facilitating a fun and safe event.”
The fireworks display will begin at 10 p.m. Saturday and can be seen from the boardwalk between Coxwell and Victoria Park Aves.
Police also warned the public not to bring personal alcohol to the area, and suggested visiting local establishments to enjoy a beverage.
“Officers will be monitoring the crowd for any type of behaviours that would be considered to be antisocial,” Insp. Hayles said. “That also includes the consumption of alcohol.”
A variety of police resources will be patrolling the area on foot, by bike, using all-terrain vehicles and on horseback with their Mounted Unit from Friday to Sunday. The city’s bylaw officers will also be in the area.
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