Stock photo image.
In February, the Town of Oakville made the decision to cancel Canada Day due to rowdy behavior from kids.
Last night (March 30), local officials reversed that choice and will move forward with this year’s celebrations, but there will be increased police presence.
This change by councillors comes after weeks of community backlash since the initial decision to cancel July 1 events, including the evening fireworks typically held at Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park.
During their February meeting, councillors decided to scrap Canada Day because of rising violent incidents at the end of the festivities, where young people would take over Lakeshore Road and fire off fireworks into crowds, buildings, and even at police officers.
However, a lack of appropriate alternative venues and the community’s wish to keep the celebration in Bronte led councillors to backtrack last night and reverse their earlier ruling.
“Everybody that we have spoken to wants a Canada Day; they want it in Bronte, but they want it to be safe,” said Ward 1 Town and Regional Councillor Sean O’Meara.
Halton Regional Police Chief Steve Tanner informed councillors that his department will implement new tactics in an effort to manage the young crowd, which has varied from 500 to 1,000 participants and has disrupted Oakville’s family event for three consecutive years by taking over public streets.
Tanner believes Canadians should celebrate Canada Day and considers Bronte the ideal spot for such events.
He mentioned that police resources will be allocated differently this year, which he expects will lead to better outcomes than in previous years. He stated officers will engage earlier to prevent issues from arising. Additionally, he noted that cameras and visible deterrents would be used while ensuring sufficient staffing levels are maintained; however, he did not disclose how many officers would be assigned.
The chief further explained that despite estimates of those involved in illegal activities, most young people present were merely spectators rather than participants.
“Kids are going to make some mistakes, but there are also going to be problem people in that group that purposely wreak as much havoc as they can by setting off fireworks,” Tanner said. “While there have not been a lot of reports of serious incidents, it doesn’t mean that things weren’t happening that caused concern.”
The town also plans to spend up to $75,000 on hiring a safety consultant for help with crowd management and developing a strategy for managing large crowds leaving the park after fireworks conclude.
Town Commissioner of Community Services Paul Damaso shared that his department is looking at increasing barricades and fencing while adding signs and lighting as well as removing some street fixtures along Lakeshore Road. They will also recruit more volunteers.
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