The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) today shared results of its efforts to ensure safe Canada Day celebrations for Halton residents and visitors, particularly those attending Bronte Heritage Park in the Town of Oakville, on the evening of Tuesday, July 1.

As publicized on its X (Twitter) and Facebook social media channels in the days leading up to festivities, the HRPS dedicated a number of personnel and resources to planning and putting in place proactive measures to promote the safe movement and lawful conduct of those gathered. These measures included but were not limited to: 

  • The deployment of video surveillance in key areas;
  • The early closure of some roadways and select businesses,
  • The establishment of its command post, and;
  • Assigning additional police patrols.

Preliminary estimates suggest that upwards of 30,000 people attended the Bronte area. While the vast majority conducted themselves responsibly and respectfully, and enjoyed the festivities hosted by the Town, large groups of youth assembled across Lakeshore Road away from Bronte Heritage Park well before the official fireworks display was scheduled to commence.

As darkness approached, several fireworks were dangerously and unlawfully discharged by select youth in this crowd. This prompted officers to attempt to disperse the group and move them out of the downtown area and clear of the family-friendly event. These efforts were, unfortunately, met with defiance from some of the youth, resulting in some additional localized disorder which was quickly and effectively addressed by police.

No injuries were sustained by the public nor was any property damage reported.

A 16-year-old was arrested and charged under the Youth Criminal Justice Act with weapons dangerous (bear spray). A 15-year-old youth was arrested for cause disturbance; they have since been charged under municipal by-law discharge fireworks.

Police are reviewing additional video, some of which has been provided by members of the public, in an attempt to identify others responsible for acts of public disorder. Those with footage who wish to submit it to police may do so via email to Staff Sergeant Gus Bistas, 2 District Community Mobilization Bureau at Gus.Bistas@haltonpolice.ca.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. "See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers" at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.