Toronto Police say they’ll be back in force at our lakeside parks again this weekend targeting bonfires, rowdy partiers and the spread of COVID-19.

There have been dozens of complaints by residents near the lake about the loud partying, fireworks and raging bonfires being lit which are usually circled by large groups of alcohol-drinking partiers who are not wearing masks.

City officials are concerned that the fires can spread due to the hot and dry conditions expected in the next few days.

Sgt. Lhawang Jongdong, of 22 Division’s Community Response Unit, says another “parks enforcement and crowd management initiative” will take place over the weekend.

“We are definitely seeing results of our effort,” he says. “We need to work on the education component of this initiative.”

He says officers are intercepting people going to the park with portable barbeques, fire logs, take out food and all sorts of beverage.

“We have intercepted a lot of them,” Jongdong says. “Most of the people we see are not aware of park rules or regulations.”

Officers will be paying special attention to Marie Curtis Park, Colonel Samuel Smith Park, Prince of Wales and Humber Bay Park east and west, where most complaints stem from.

Police say on many nights they have to extinguish fires started by partiers, who are not deterred by a fine of more than $300 for starting a fire in a City park.

Area residents have posted photos of bags of garbage they’ve had to clean up the following day after the partiers have left.

Police say the entrances and parking lots of the parks will be shut early and will be monitored by parking and other bylaw enforcement officers.