Brampton officials will search bags at a city Canada Day event to prevent people from bringing in illegal fireworks.
Police and bylaw enforcement officers will have checkpoints, or controlled entrances and exits, into Chinguacousy Park, near Bramalea Road and Queen Street E., according to Staff Supt. Hubert Hiltz of Peel Regional Police.
The event will feature a fireworks display at 10 p.m. Residents will be allowed to bring food, water and drinks to the celebration, but not alcohol or their own fireworks.
“Your bags will be checked when you enter,” Hiltz told reporters at a news conference on Monday.
“Our message is firm. If you are caught using fireworks in a way that causes harm to others, you will be arrested and the appropriate criminal charges will be laid.”
Brampton city council banned the use of personal fireworks in 2022 after a surge in complaints. The ban includes the use, sale, purchase and possession of any fireworks within the city.
“It’s not just about the bylaw,” Hiltz said. “It’s about compromising the safety of residents, visitors and families and the reckless criminal behavior that disrupts the feeling of security.”
Hiltz said police will be present to ensure residents enjoy the event safely but they do not expect checkpoints to cause delays or traffic congestion.
He said police will also be actively monitoring the event for potential threats.
“We have detailed plans in place to mobilize our officers and resources when necessary,” Hiltz said.
‘Reckless’ Victoria Day fireworks led to charges: mayor
Mayor Patrick Brown said there were problems with the use of fireworks at the same park on the Victoria Day weekend. Thirteen people, ranging in age from 18 to 26, were arrested at the park during the fireworks display, according to police.
“Obviously, there were some very reckless use of fireworks by some young people who clearly needed to give their head a shake and several of them were charged. And so, I think there’s lessons learned from Victoria Day to make sure that we don’t have those same safety risks,” Brown said.
Police closed the park before 8 p.m. on May 18 due to “large, unsafe” gatherings and use of fireworks, they said in a social media post that night.
Brown said there has been a reduction in the use of fireworks since council passed the bylaw.
Lori Ward, owner of the Fireworks Superstore in Etobicoke, said she views stricter regulations and more oversight as a positive step.
She said the store asks for identification because it only sells to people 18 and over.
“I’m happy that there’s enforcement because unfortunately that’s what it’s come down to,” Ward said.
Ward said it’s important always to follow manufacturers’ instructions.
“You always should be shooting fireworks on your own property. You should never be shooting them in the city parks or on city streets.”
Under the bylaw, fireworks include: consumer fireworks, such as roman candles, fountains, ground spinners and burning school houses; display fireworks, such as rockets, bombshells and maroons; and prohibited fireworks, such as flying lanterns, cherry bombs, M-80s and flash bombs. Sparklers are permitted.
The city says on its website that the fireworks ban is intended to lower the risk of fires, injury and property damage, reduce air pollution and debris, reduce excessive noise and protect animal habitats.