It seems like Toronto Police and the city have listened to the community and are cracking down on illegal or fireworks being misused this long Canada Day weekend.

A number of pro-active measures are being put in place from Thursday July 1 to July 4, said the city.

Toronto Police and Municipal, Licensing and Standards officers will be in place past midnight at area parks including; Marie Curtis, Colonel Samuel Smith, Humber Bays West and East during the days of enforcement.

Some police divisions have received additional resources to ‘patrol problematic sites including Humber Bays East and West.’

There are usually a litany of complaints from Humber Bay Shores residents of fireworks being fired from balconies at people or pets on the ground and other forms of noise and bright light abuse.

The Toronto Police Marine Unit has additional patrol resources in place for patrols from water. The Toronto Fire Service fireboat will also patrol from the water.

Toronto Fire has assigned a pumper truck and District Chief to Humber Bay East Park on Canada Day.

Councillor Mark Grimes in a statement said parking lots will be close to vehicles at 7 p.m. nightly at key waterfront locations, which includes; Marie Curtis Park and Humber Bay East and West parks.

Grimes said ‘focus will include addressing fireworks, bonfires and large gatherings.’
“Officers will actively engage patrons at entry points to ensure awareness of restrictions, particularly firework use.”

Toronto Parking Enforcement will be assigning dedicated resources to other Etobicoke Waterfront Parks and Marine Parade Drive.

City officials said 70 new signs warning of illegal fireworks have been printed and being installed in hot spot parks along the waterfront; including Marie Curtis Park, Colonel Samuel Smith Park, Humber Bay Park West and East and Humber Bay Shores Park.

Police warn that Canada Day is one of two days that you do not need a permit to ignite fireworks on private property. Setting off fireworks in a public space is prohibited, and the possession of fireworks is now banned in Toronto parks and beaches.

They said enforcement teams will be out ensuring compliance with these bylaws throughout the long weekend. If you are setting off fireworks on your own private property, please remember to be respectful of your neighbours.
Residents can contact 311 to report the use of fireworks in City parks or beaches, and possible misuse of fireworks. In the event of a serious public safety concern, or fire, please call 911. For more information, please visit toronto.ca/fireworks.