After several years of fireworks being misused and crowds taking over the streets during Canada Day, officials in Oakville are saying this year will be different.
With the annual Canada Day event returning to Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park after the council briefly canceled it due to safety concerns, Halton Regional Police and the Town of Oakville are promising a much stronger security presence to help prevent the issues that have plagued this holiday since the pandemic began.
Police have stated that officers will be highly visible throughout the day, carrying out foot patrols, managing traffic, and monitoring activities before, during, and after the celebrations.
“Police presence is about prevention, not confrontation,” Halton Regional Police Chief Stephen Tanner said in a video message released ahead of the holiday.
“Our police officers are there with a clear purpose to support, be present, and to ensure everyone feels safe and welcome,” Tanner mentioned, adding that misconduct will be addressed quickly. “Unlawful and unsafe behaviour will not be tolerated, and may result in enforcement action, including tickets, seizure of property, or even arrests.”
The increased security comes after years of rising incidents in Bronte Village where large groups of mostly teenagers gathered following the town’s fireworks show and fired consumer fireworks into crowds, at homes and businesses, toward vehicles and even at police officers.
The violence led Oakville council in March to cancel this year’s Canada Day events due to increasing concerns over public safety. This decision caused widespread public backlash but was reversed weeks later after councillors, residents, and police agreed to proceed with celebrations under a strengthened safety plan.
As part of that plan, tougher regulations on fireworks have also been introduced by the town.
Anyone under 18 is now banned from possessing or using fireworks in Oakville. Police have also been given permission to confiscate fireworks from minors while fines have increased significantly.
Those who misuse fireworks endangering public safety – such as firing them into crowds or at people or properties – can face fines starting at $1,000.
Police say they’ve also collaborated with the town’s bylaw officers and emergency services on additional safety measures like barriers, improved lighting systems, and operational plans aimed at better managing crowds leaving the waterfront after the official firework display.
“Unsafe behaviour such as misuse of fireworks puts everyone at real risk impacting residents’ lives as well as homes and businesses,” Halton police stated in a message. “We will not tolerate disorderly conduct.”
The Canada Day celebration kicks off at 4 p. m. at Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park featuring live entertainment food trucks cultural displays family activities and community exhibits leading up to an evening fireworks show.
Police are urging residents to celebrate responsibly reminding attendees that keeping public safety is everyone’s responsibility.
“It is a privilege to celebrate as a community,” Tanner said. “Please remember to do so responsibly and safely.”
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