After years of Canada Day chaos, Ontario town looks to take back the streets

After several years of fireworks being used as weapons and young people taking over the streets on Canada Day, Oakville authorities say this year will be different.

With the annual Canada Day celebration returning to Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park after council briefly cancelled the event earlier this year over public safety concerns, Halton Regional Police and the Town of Oakville are promising a significantly enhanced security presence aimed at preventing the disturbances that have marred the holiday since the pandemic.

Police say officers will be highly visible throughout the day, conducting foot patrols, managing traffic and monitoring activity 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 said, adding that bad behaviour will be dealt with swiftly. “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 escalating incidents in Bronte Village, where large groups of mostly teenagers gathered following the town’s fireworks display and fired consumer fireworks into crowds, at homes and businesses, toward vehicles and even at police officers.

The violence prompted Oakville council in March to cancel this year’s Canada Day festivities, citing growing concerns over public safety. The decision sparked widespread public backlash and was reversed weeks later after councillors, residents and police agreed to move forward with the celebration under a strengthened safety plan.

As part of that plan, the town has also introduced tougher fireworks regulations.

Anyone under the age of 18 is now prohibited from possessing or discharging fireworks in Oakville. Police have also been authorized to seize fireworks from minors, while fines have increased significantly.

Those who use fireworks in a manner that endangers public safety — including firing them into crowds, at people, vehicles or buildings — face fines starting at $1,000.

Police say they have also been working with the town, bylaw officers and emergency services on additional safety measures, including barriers, improved lighting and operational plans designed to better manage crowds leaving the waterfront after the official fireworks display.

“Unsafe behaviour such as misuse of fireworks puts everyone at real risk, impacting residents, homes and businesses,” Halton police said in a statement. “We will not tolerate disorderly conduct.”

The Canada Day celebration begins at 4 p.m. at Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park and features live entertainment, food trucks, cultural displays, family activities and community exhibits before the evening fireworks display.

Police are urging residents to celebrate responsibly and remind attendees that public safety is a shared responsibility.

“It is a privilege to celebrate as a community,” Tanner said. “Please remember to do so responsibly and safely.”