City of Toronto bylaw enforcement officers and Toronto Police continued to monitor heavily used parks and beaches, and respond to issues related to large illegal gatherings (over the 10 person limit), amplified sound, bonfires and fireworks. While Toronto has moved to Step One of the Province of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen, these events remain against provincial regulations and City bylaws.
Fireworks were banned in parks and on beaches by City Council last week. Previously the use of fireworks was not permitted under the Fireworks Bylaw. Based on direction from Council last week, the use and now possession of fireworks in City parks and beaches is completely banned.
Bylaw officers and Toronto Police had multiple teams out this weekend, including dedicated teams focused at problem areas such as the eastern beaches (Woodbine and Ashbridges Bay), Toronto Island, Humber Bay East and West, and Trinity Bellwoods Park. This included patrols of key beaches by Toronto Police’s Community Response Unit and Mounted Unit, as well as patrols from the water by the Marine Unit.
Bylaw officers received 136 complaints and responded to 60 bylaw-related infractions in parks that were being patrolled. Toronto Police responded to 79 large indoor and outdoor gathering calls across the city. In all cases, officers worked to advise residents of the regulations, disperse crowds and lay charges, when warranted.
At Ashbridges Bay specifically, Toronto Police made multiple arrests at a large unsanctioned event – two males for firing roman candles into a crowd and one male for attempted murder. Details can be found in this release: http://torontopolice.on.ca/newsreleases/50159. A DJ was also charged under the Reopening Ontario Act at an illegal party on Woodbine Beach on Friday night.
Bylaw enforcement officers also continued to encounter instances of aggression when working to educate residents on the provincial regulations and City bylaws, including one event this weekend that involved a weapon. Toronto Police were called to provide assistance and the individual was arrested.
These acts of aggression and continued disrespect of the rules are not acceptable and will not be tolerated. They continue to put the public and officers at risk, and Toronto Police will investigate and lay criminal charges, where possible.
June 14, 7:40 p.m. – Release updated to clarify fireworks ban.
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