TORONTO POLICE TO PATROL BEACHES, MONITOR PROTESTS TO AVOID VIOLENCE THIS WEEKEND

Officers ready to carry out arrests, lay charges as they aim to avoid violence

Toronto police are bracing for large crowds at beaches and demonstrations across the city this Canada Day weekend and plan to be a “visible presence” at both.

Police will patrol public areas where Canada Day gatherings are expected and will carry out arrests and lay charges “where appropriate,” according to a Toronto Police Service news release.

Use of personal fireworks at city parks and beaches is prohibited, and any reckless behaviour with them will be “subject to police enforcement.” As well, there are cameras in place on beaches “for investigative reasons if there are criminal incidents.”

This increased police presence comes in the wake of a bloody Victoria Day weekend, where19 arrests were made at Woodbine Beach following shootings, stabbings and robberies and five arrests were made at Ashbridge’s Bay after another person was stabbed.

Speaking at a news conference Thursday afternoon, Const. Alex Li said there is a “robust policing plan” in place for the weekend.

“While we can’t go into specifics about out operational plans, we want the public to know there will be a visible police presence and a variety of resources will be in place to ensure everyone enjoys the weekend safely,” said Li.

Li said drivers should expect traffic delays due to road closings, including on Lake Shore Boulevard East. Parking will also be restricted. He advises beachgoers to take the TTC.

Drivers may also experience traffic delays from the demonstrations, Li said, and further road closings will be in place.

Police may also use vehicles to create blockades, as they have in previous convoy supporter demonstrations, although police did not confirm whether demonstrations in the city this weekend will be convoy related. In Ottawa, police are preparing for potential large-scale demonstrations from convoy supporters on Canada Day.

“Any demonstrations taking place this weekend will be treated as per usual,” Li said. “There will be sufficient units out in these areas to ensure public safety.”

Li said that while he cannot share operational plans, police will “utilize any technique necessary” to “ensure public safety.”