Crackdown planned to control Canada Day chaos in Brampton

Brampton is moving forward with plans to gain control of Canada Day crowds.

A city committee this week approved $200,000 in spending to increase security and fencing at Chinguacousy Park for July 1 celebrations — an $80,000 increase over last year.

The move comes in response to incidents last year, when an unruly crowd took over the park, with some young people shooting fireworks at each other and at bystanders. An unconfirmed report indicates a police officer may have been struck.

“These measures are intended to ensure the city can safely manage the large attendance levels anticipated for Canada Day celebrations at Chinguacousy Park, in response to a notable increase in anti-social behaviour and broader public safety concerns associated with large-scale outdoor festivals and events,” a report presented to the committee states.

Councillors approved the plan without discussion at the committee meeting. Final approval is expected next week.

The increased security measures follow the mayhem that occurred on July 1, 2025, during evening and nighttime celebrations at the park.

Video filmed at the scene by UnderGround Nation shows people running for cover and police and security moving in to try to quell the disturbance.

“Those dumb teens throwing fireworks lit one and threw it right beside my stroller that had my three-month-old in it while I was holding my one-year-old. You all ruined Canada Day,” one commenter wrote in response to the YouTube video.

The videomakers described the situation as “madness” and “insane,” adding: “Wild fireworks flying, no crowd control, cops scrambling, and people running for cover.”

The enhanced security plan includes bag checks at park entrances, controlled access points to funnel crowds, increased lighting and additional signage.