Toronto Police Increase Beach Presence for Monday Fireworks Near Me
Toronto police are increasing their Beach presence for Victoria Day weekend as crowds build around the Ashbridges Bay fireworks near me display scheduled for Monday, May 18 at 10 p.m. Supt. David Correa said additional officers and specialized units will be deployed throughout the long weekend.
Correa said the operational plan covers public safety concerns that include crowding, illegal fireworks, illegal alcohol consumption and parking. He said the force is working with city bylaw, Toronto Fire Services, Toronto Paramedics, City of Toronto resources and police units including the mounted unit, officers on foot, officers on bikes, ATVs and side-by-sides.
Woodbine Beach Bathing Station
Correa delivered the plan at a news conference on Friday, May 15 at the Woodbine Beach Bathing Station. He said, "From today, up until Monday evening, the Toronto police, working with its partners, have created an operational plan to be able to support public safety," and added, "We’ve partnered with city bylaw, Toronto Fire Services, Toronto Paramedics, City of Toronto and various police resources that include the mounted unit, the officers on patrol on foot, officers on bikes and ATVs and side-by-sides (utility vehicles with two front seats)."
Brad Bradford, the Beaches-East York councillor, said the area has faced repeat problems. "As folks are well aware here in this community and across the city, there have historically been some challenges at Woodbine Beach," he said. He added that he had worked with Toronto police, city park staff and the TTC to put resources in place so people can celebrate safely.
Ashbridges Bay Park
The city’s fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay Park is set to celebrate Victoria Day on Monday, May 18, starting at 10 p.m. Fireworks are not permitted on the beach, and Toronto bylaws allow residents to be fined for discharging or illegally possessing fireworks at any Toronto public beaches or parks.
Alcohol is strictly prohibited across the beaches from Ashbridges Bay Park to the R.C. Harris Water Treatment plant and adjacent parklands, which are outside the city’s Alcohol in Parks program. No bonfires or drone photography activity will be allowed in the area, and noise and music volume will be monitored.
Victoria Day Long Weekend
Police said the Beach will also see parking enforcement. Parking officers will tag and tow vehicles that block private driveways or businesses, and they say parking is extremely limited in the area. The increased presence follows incidents in 2021 and 2022 involving violence and disorderly crowds on long weekends and during city fireworks displays at Ashbridges Bay.
Bradford told reporters, "Leave the fireworks to the professionals," as the city and police prepared for the holiday weekend. For residents and visitors, the rules are clear: keep fireworks off the beach, leave alcohol out of the restricted zone and expect towing if a vehicle blocks access.
