‘Zero tolerance’: Peel police increasing presence at events after people shot fireworks at each other over long weekend

Peel police Const. Tyler Bell-Morena says there will be increased enforcement at certain events as residents continue to set off illegal fireworks.

Police are stepping up their presence at several events in both Brampton and Mississauga this weekend after learning that some individuals plan to attend them to set off fireworks and cause disturbances - like they did a week ago.

“There will be zero tolerance for the unsafe and illegal use of fireworks. Individuals found in contravention may be subject to arrest,” Peel Regional Police said in a post on Facebook.

One of the events in question they said is called Bunskin Day 2.0, which has gone viral on social media and draws large crowds.

Speaking with CP24 on Saturday evening, Const. Tyler Bell, of Peel Regional Police, said these extra officers are being deployed to “ensure that we can still respond to frontline requests for service, that we’re not detracting from frontline personnel.”

He added that investigators have also been keep an eye on online activities, notably monitoring discussions and plans “to be disruptive at various events happening across the region.”

This increased police action comes nearly a week after Chinguacousy Park was closed for several days after people shot off fireworks there over the Victoria Day long weekend.

‘Absolute chaos’

Bell said they were called to the park last weekend after large gatherings of people fired fireworks at each another, specifically Roman candles, and in some cases, he said, from moving vehicles.

“People were struck. People were injured. Small fires were set inadvertently,” he said.

“It was absolute chaos for the folks in the park there and we required significant enforcement and presence. So we learned from that weekend, and in collaboration with both the City of Brampton and Mississauga, we stand ready to respond should anything like that take place.”

He said the message is clear: those who are caught will be charged in accordance with the bylaw.

“If you’re found shooting it at someone, that is assault with a weapon, it’s possession of weapons for a dangerous person. If you hurt somebody, the charges will apply. If you’re driving your vehicle in a dangerous manner, we’re going to take that car. You’re going to go to jail,” he said, adding that while people may have gotten away with this kind of behaviour over the Victoria Day long weekend, “you’re not getting away with it again.”

Fireworks banned in Brampton, restricted in Mississauga

Bell underlined that fireworks are banned in Brampton and restricted in Mississauga with a permit required, and anyone caught using them could face serious consequences.

• READ MORE: Mississauga moves one step closer to imposing a full ban on fireworks

Roman candles, he added, are completely banned in both cities.

“So, nowhere in the Region of Peel should Roman candles be used, and it’s simply because people are using them to shoot at one another and it poses a blatant safety risk,” Bell said.