Brampton officials say bags will be searched at Canada Day event following ‘reckless’ fireworks use

As Canada Day approaches across the GTHA, John Musselman has more on what officials in Brampton are doing to try and avoid previous security issues.

Brampton residents attending the city’s Canada Day celebration at Chinguacousy Park who bring bags should expect them to be checked, as police are hoping to prevent anyone with illegal fireworks from entering.

City officials and Peel Regional Police held a news conference on Monday to unveil the plans for July 1 festivities, which will include a fireworks show at 10 p.m.

The warning comes after several incidents of fireworks being shot at people in the park and surrounding areas during the Victoria Day long weekend - some of which were captured on video and posted on social media.

Thirteen people were arrested and removed from the park on May 18, and some were charged with weapons-related offences.

“As with every major event, including Canada Day, we are actively monitoring the potential threats through intelligence-led policing. We have detailed plans in place to mobilize our officers and resources when necessary,” Staff Supt. Hubert Hiltz said.

“We will be present, we will be visible, and we will be prepared to respond accordingly.”

He warned that anyone who plans to bring fireworks to Chinguacousy Park, located near Queen Street East and Bramalea Road, will be apprehended and charged. Brampton residents are banned from using, selling, possessing, and discharging any fireworks within the city.

“From a policing perspective, it is not just about the bylaw. It’s about compromising the safety of residents, visitors, and families, and the criminal behaviour that disrupts the feeling of security,” Hiltz said.

“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.”

Hiltz said there will be checkpoints as well as controlled entrances and exits at the park on Canada Day.

He said that police will also have “numerous resources on the ground.”

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown said city officials and police will apply the lessons learned from Victoria Day to ensure Canada Day is safe for residents.

“Unfortunately, on Victoria Day, obviously, there was some very reckless use of fireworks by some young people who clearly needed to give their heads a shake, and several of them were charged,” the mayor said.

“Fireworks can be very dangerous if used inappropriately, and we’ll be taking all precautions working with the City of Brampton by-law and Peel Regional Police alongside each other to make sure that there are no safety risks with the misuse of fireworks.”

Officials are urging residents to walk, cycle or take public transit to the park on Canada Day.

Brampton Transit will be offering free shuttle service from four locations: Mount Pleasant GO, Sheridan College, Trinity Commons, and Gore Meadows Community Centre.