Police brace for 'fireworks wars'

Extra officers to patrol beach areas over long weekend to help monitor large crowds for violence

- DANIEL RAMOS

A firework sends people running after it was fired at ground level in a parking lot over the Victoria Day long weekend in 2021.

Toronto police say they'll be watching for "fireworks wars" this Victoria Day long weekend, as thousands are expected to gather at Ashbridges Bay Park.

During a news conference at Woodbine Beach Park on Thursday morning, Supt. Kimberley O'Toole said in previous years there have been incidents where groups of people shoot fireworks at each other.

O'Toole added that some people were also shooting fireworks at officers and horses, injuring both parties.

There will be a significant presence of police resources at the park over the long weekend, including officers on foot, bikes, side-by-side vehicles on trails and ATVs in beach areas, as well as a mounted unit.