Extra staffing for Kitchener’s Canada Day celebrations estimated at $20K

Canada Day was anything but quiet in Waterloo Region. CTV’s Karis Mapp breaks down the charges laid by police.

The City of Kitchener says it spent approximately $20,000 on extra staffing for Canada Day celebrations.

The new figure was shared with CTV News on Monday.

According to Waterloo Regional Police, there was a high volume of calls across the community on July 1. Officers responded to a variety of disturbances, including noise complaints, fireworks violations, trespassing, mischief and public intoxication.

As in previous years, an unsanctioned gathering was held in Kitchener’s Victoria Park.

Police said fireworks were seized from multiple youths, while a 17-year-old was arrested for carrying a “noxious substance.” He was then charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

Officers shut the park down around 10 p.m. in an effort to disperse the crowd.

Police said a large group of teens and young adults then moved into neighbouring areas, including Schneider Avenue. They fled when fireworks were set off in the street.

Canada Day charges

Waterloo Regional Police also shared a breakdown of charges laid against partiers on Canada Day.

They said officers made two fireworks-related arrests, one which was in relation to a robbery.

The others were as follows: two charges under the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 12 charges as part of the Trespass to Property Act, and one charge under the Cannabis Control Act. Five warning were also issued.

Police said the charges cover the entire Region of Waterloo, but most were issued in Kitchener.