Toronto Police are ramping up their presence for the Victoria Day long weekend, particularly at Ashbridges Bay, to ensure public safety and prevent a repeat of the 2022 May 2-4 weekend disturbances. That year, 19 individuals—including ten minors—were arrested following incidents of stabbings, shootings, and robberies, and seven police officers sustained injuries.
Enhanced Patrols and Resources
Superintendent Dave Correa announced on Friday that with an anticipated crowd of 10,000 people, the public will notice an increased police presence on Sunday and Monday. The Mounted Unit, along with officers on foot, ATVs, and bicycles, will patrol the Ashbridges Bay area. Correa highlighted that past issues have included large crowds, alcohol-related incidents, and unauthorized personal fireworks, which remain prohibited.
“Fireworks do occur, but in recent years, we haven’t seen the same problems as four years ago,” Correa said. “We’re hoping the trend continues. I was on the ground in 2022, and despite a strong plan, the volume overwhelmed our efforts.”
Lessons Learned from 2022
Correa emphasized that police have learned from the 2022 events and implemented enhancements. “We redeployed officers from non-critical areas to flood this zone with police,” he explained. Officers are now more proactive about enforcing fireworks and alcohol bylaws, with immediate engagement when individuals are spotted carrying fireworks in backpacks or pockets. “Our officers have received heightened training on bylaws related to fireworks and alcohol enforcement, putting us in a much stronger position,” Correa added.
The 2022 chaos involved “fireworks wars or battles,” a trend that Correa believes has dissipated.
Key Information for Visitors
The Ashbridges Bay Victoria Day fireworks display is scheduled for Monday at 10 p.m., lasting approximately 14 minutes, and visible from the boardwalk between Emdaabiimok Avenue (formerly Lower Coxwell Avenue) and Victoria Park Avenue. Road closures will begin at 9 p.m. on Monday, affecting Emdaabiimok Avenue from Lake Shore Boulevard East to Eastern Avenue, and Lake Shore Boulevard East from Leslie Street to Queen Street East.
Correa advised visitors to use public transit due to increased parking enforcement and restrictions. Additional TTC buses will be added to routes 22A Coxwell, 64 Main, and 92A Woodbine. The TTC’s Line 6 will be out of service, with buses running instead. Fire Services, EMS personnel, and city bylaw officers will also be on scene, alongside the Electric Island Festival taking place on Saturday and Sunday at Woodbine Beach Park.
Bonfires and personal fireworks are strictly prohibited in city parks and on beaches, with potential seizures and fines. Alcohol is also banned at Ashbridges Bay.
