Brampton Council Approves Canada Day Celebration Details at Chinguacousy Park

Brampton council received details on the city's Canada Day celebration at Chinguacousy Park on July 1, including entertainment, transit, road closures, security screening and enforcement of the city's fireworks bylaw. Mayor Patrick Brown said the event is "one of Canada's biggest shows," while Peel Regional Police said fireworks misuse that harms others could lead to arrest and criminal charges.

Topics Discussed

CANADA DAY EVENT DETAILS

The city will hold its Canada Day celebration on Tuesday, July 1, from noon to 10 p.m. at Chinguacousy Park. Mayor Patrick Brown described it as "one of Canada's biggest shows" and said the park "becomes jam-packed." The program includes live entertainment, family activities, food vendors, a beer garden and a fireworks show at 10 p.m. presented by Tim Hortons. The meeting materials listed performers including Emerson Drive and Lee Bryce.

TRANSPORTATION, PARKING AND ROAD CLOSURES

Council was told that road closures will be in effect throughout Canada Day around the park and that on-site parking will be very limited. Residents were directed to the City of Brampton website for authorized off-site parking locations. Councillor Rod Power said free Brampton Transit shuttle service will run every 30 minutes from Mount Pleasant GO Station, Trinity Common Mall, Sheridan College and Gore Meadows Community Centre from noon to 9:30 p.m., with return service from 12:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Residents were encouraged to walk, cycle or take transit.

SECURITY SCREENING AND PROHIBITED ITEMS

Council heard that the event will have controlled entrances and exits and mandatory bag checks. Residents may bring food, water and other drinks, but alcohol is not permitted in the park. Illegal fireworks are also prohibited and will be confiscated at checkpoints. Officials said they did not expect significant delays from the screening process.

FIREWORKS ENFORCEMENT AND POLICING

Peel Regional Police Staff Superintendent Hubert Hilts said police are coordinating safety measures for the event and will maintain a visible presence. On fireworks enforcement, he said: "If you are caught using fireworks in a way that causes harm to others, you will be arrested and the appropriate criminal charges will be laid." Council also heard that the city's fireworks bylaw applies across Brampton, not only at Chinguacousy Park, and that bylaw officers and police will coordinate enforcement in neighbourhoods as well.

Mayor Brown said past misuse of fireworks led council to tighten the rules, stating: "We've had past celebrations of the city where fireworks were abused. It's why this council took the decision to prohibit fireworks."

FAMILY PROGRAMMING AND PUBLIC ACTIVITIES

The event will run from noon to 10 p.m. with inflatable rides, games, slides, pony rides, a petting zoo, paddle boats, a playground, splash pad, wading pool, merry-go-round, miniature golf and live music from the Chinguacousy Concert Band from noon to 2 p.m. The meeting materials also said free Canada Day cupcakes from Occasions Treats will be distributed from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., with Mayor Brown and members of council serving them.

Motions

The provided meeting notes do not identify any motions passed, rejected or deferred.

Attendees

The provided notes specifically name: - Mayor Patrick Brown - Councillor Rod Power - Staff Superintendent Hubert Hilts, Peel Regional Police

The council roster provided with the notes lists: - Dennis Keenan - Michael Palleschi - Martin Medeiros - Navjit Kaur Brar - Patrick Brown - Rod Power - Pat Fortini - Gurpartap Singh Toor - Rowena Santos - Harkirat Singh - Paul Vicente