Four individuals were taken into custody after regional police reported another hectic situation in Kitchener on Victoria Day Monday.
As per an update from officials, they reacted to “a large volume of calls” regarding festivities in Kitchener and the surrounding area. Between 4:30 p. m. and midnight on May 18, officers were dispatched to Victoria Park and downtown Kitchener, where disturbances occurred along with fireworks being set off in public areas, including incidents where a bylaw officer and a police officer were struck.
According to regional police, four arrests took place on Monday related to the Victoria Day events and fireworks displays. Crowds gathered throughout Victoria Park and downtown. Constable Chris Iden shared with 570 News Radio that WRPS took a proactive stance to ensure public safety.
“As the night progressed, we, as well as the City of Kitchener, determined just to ensure public safety, to close Victoria Park down at 9 O’clock (p. m.) and just have families leave in the event that something happens, there would be no safety concern for other members.”
Before closing the park, police apprehended a youth who threw a lit firework that exploded on two vehicles. The 15-year-old from Cambridge was charged with failing to comply with an undertaking and engaging in a prohibited act.
He was kept in custody for a bail hearing according to release notes.
In another incident, officials mentioned that both a police officer and a bylaw officer were hit by a firework near Queen Street South and Charles Street West.
An unknown male tossed the firework onto the roadway while they were patrolling. Fortunately, they did not sustain any physical injuries. Police are currently looking into this incident.
“Throughout the region, officers responded to calls for service regarding reckless use of fireworks, noise complaints, public intoxication, and disturbances,” police stated.
The regional police reported arresting a male youth in downtown Kitchener at about 5:30 p. m.
This youth was recognized by officers as part of a group who had stolen fireworks from a business located at Hespeler Road and Sheldon Drive in Cambridge last Friday.
He was arrested and charged with theft under $5,000.
Local authorities have decided to tighten restrictions on fireworks usage over recent years; this includes banning the sale of fireworks in Kitchener and Waterloo starting early 2026.
“We now know that every year this is something we’re going to be addressing and we’re going to continue to work and find resources to try to either diminish or stop this kind of behaviour,” said Iden.
Past years have seen unlawful use of fireworks at Victoria Park leading to injuries from fireworks being aimed directly at residents.
Iden mentioned that more detailed information regarding fireworks enforcement will be provided soon.
Victoria Park in Kitchener is closed to the public to ensure public safety.
Residents are asked to avoid the area for the remainder of the evening. pic. twitter. com/UDUa U6pip I
– Waterloo Regional Police (@WRPSToday) May 19, 2026 Keep it Factual
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