Fireworks shot into Kitchener crowd on Victoria Day

Several arrests have been made after fireworks were shot at people in Kitchener’s Victoria Park. CTV’s Jeff Pickel hears from a mother caught up in the chaos.

Three people were arrested on Victoria Day after they allegedly shot fireworks at people – and police – in downtown Kitchener.

The Waterloo Regional Police Service said hundreds of people had gathered in Victoria Park and the surrounding streets to celebrate the holiday. Then, between 8 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., they received multiple calls about fireworks being shot at people, other disturbances and large crowds blocking the roads. Police were told the fireworks were set off by people on the street and in cars.

No injuries were reported.

Officers, with the help of Ontario Provincial Police, closed Victoria Park while they worked to break up the crowd.

Three people were arrested that same day.

A 14-year-old was charged with mischief related to a fireworks incident.

A 17-year-old male was also charged with mischief for setting off fireworks into a large group of people. Police said they then found three imitation guns and charged the teen with three counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and carrying a concealed weapon.

An 18-year-old male was charged with mischief and causing a disturbance for shooting fireworks from a moving vehicle.

Police were also called to another fireworks-related call in Cambridge. At approximately 9:30 p.m. that same day, three people stole fireworks from a convenience store at St. Andrews Street and Southwood Drive. They then threw rocks and shot fireworks at several people in a parking lot before fleeing the scene. Only minor injuries were reported.

No arrests have been made in connection to that incident.

Anyone with information that could help with these investigations is asked to contact Waterloo Regional Police at 519-570-9777, ext. 4499. Anonymous tips can also be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.

Response from the city

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic issued a statement in response to Monday’s incident.

Leading up to Victoria Day, it said, the city “maintained a significant proactive presence across Kitchener, including a large, uniformed deployment at major city parks.”

“In total, 64 complaints were received with three charges laid under the fireworks bylaw,” the statement read. “Additional charges may still be forthcoming as officers continue their investigations and follow-ups.”

Vrbanovic also thanked officers, the fire department, bylaw officers and first responders for their help managing the “unacceptable and dangerous events that occurred last night by this small group of rowdy young people who displayed little to no regard for their fellow community members and their safety.”

The mayor promised city staff would continue to work with Waterloo Regional Police to keep the community safe.

“Creating a welcoming and enjoyable environment for all residents remains the city’s priority and we will continue to invest in measures to prevent reprehensible actions like these at public gatherings,” the statement said.

Victoria Day 2023

In 2023, hundreds of people turned out for an unsanctioned fireworks show in Victoria Park.

Witnesses called it a “chaotic” scene with fireworks going off in all directions. An officer and a member of Kitchener Bylaw were both injured.

An 18-year-old man was charged with assault with a weapon for allegedly shooting fireworks into the crowd. A 29-year-old was also charged with assault and failing to comply with a release order.

Victoria Day 2024

Police said some people started setting off fireworks at each other, and others in Victoria Park, on Victoria Day 2024.

Witnesses also described seeing fireworks in the streets and people running down the street.

No injuries were reported.

A 14-year-old was arrested and charged with assault and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

Canada Day 2024

The chaos returned to Victoria Park in 2024.

Fights broke out during Canada Day celebrations and police said officers had to use pepper spray to regain control of the crowd. One witness described “kids throwing fireworks right in front of me.”

Another person, who said they got into a fight with a group of young people, was allegedly kicked in the head “about 40 times.” She had a concussion, broken finger, sprained neck and bruised ribs, in addition to cuts and bruises.

A city councillor was also injured following a Canada Day celebration in Waterloo. Julie Wright, who represents Ward 7, spotted a man with fireworks at MacGregor Public School. When she told him he was not allowed to shoot off roman candles, he allegedly fired one at her. A 37-year-old man was arrested a few days later and charged with assault and assault with a weapon.

Calls for fireworks ban

The rules around fireworks recently changed, partly in response to these incidents.

“We’ve seen a councillor in Waterloo get attacked, we’ve heard two bylaw officers were fired upon, everyone has seen the recklessness we’ve seen in Victoria Park two years in a row,” Kitchener Councillor Bill Ioannidis said at a meeting on May 5. “For me, I feel like we have no choice but to go the route we’re going with the staff recommendation.”

Councillors in Waterloo and Kitchener ultimately decided to ban firework sales starting in 2026.

Both councils also voted in favour of additional restrictions, including limiting the times when fireworks can be set off, as well as tougher penalties for bad behaviour.

More to come.