Brampton's Canada Day Gets Heightened Security at Chinguacousy Park
After a chaotic Victoria Day with 2,000 youths and fireworks shot into crowds, the city will enforce checkpoints, bag searches and extra police presence on July 1.
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Canada Day celebrations are returning to Chinguacousy Park in Brampton on July 1, but with significantly heightened security following a chaotic Victoria Day weekend.
Mayor Patrick Brown announced Monday that the city will enforce checkpoints at park entrances, conduct bag searches and increase police and event security presence. "We had some safety issues during the May long weekend and we plan to prevent similar incidents," Brown told reporters.
On the Victoria Day holiday, approximately 2,000 youths gathered at the 40-acre park near Bramalea Road and Queen Street East for an unofficial event promoted on social media. Many attendees arrived with fireworks that were being set off into crowds. "We even had instances of fires that were inadvertently set just because of the fireworks hitting the ground," Peel Regional Police Const. Tyler Bell explained. At least 13 people were charged in the aftermath.
For July 1, banned items include weapons, sharp objects, illegal substances, drones, laser pointers and anything that may pose a risk to safety. Those caught using fireworks in a way that causes harm will be arrested and charged.
The city approved a year-round ban on the personal sale, use and possession of fireworks across Brampton in 2022, with fines ranging from $500 to $100,000 for violations.
A full day of events will start at noon on July 1, with a huge fireworks display at 10 p.m. Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted, along with coolers, chairs, blankets, tents and strollers. Parking is limited; visitors are encouraged to walk, cycle or take transit.