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Police and city officials closed Kitchener’s Victoria Park Monday night over safety concerns.
Police posted to X, formerly Twitter, around 9 p.m. ET to advise people the park was closed and to avoid the area.
The park reopened Tuesday morning.
On its website, the City of Kitchener said the “closure may be inconvenient for some residents, but the safety of our community is our top priority.”
Police said in a release Tuesday the park was closed after hundreds of people gathered throughout the park and in downtown Kitchener, generating multiple calls for service.
“Police and City of Kitchener bylaw officers responded to incidents including disturbances, fireworks being discharged in public spaces, and mischief,” police said.
A 15-year-old from Cambridge was arrested after throwing a lit firework that exploded on two motor vehicles, police said.
In another incident, an unknown male threw a firework onto the roadway in the area of Queen and Charles streets. The firework then struck a police officer and a bylaw officer who were on foot patrol, police said.
Both officers did not sustain any injuries. The investigation is ongoing.
‘I don’t understand it’: City councillor
Debbie Chapman is the councillor for Ward 9, which includes Victoria Park. She told CBC News on Tuesday she was “very disappointed” after hearing about the issues over the holiday.
“Quite honestly I have difficulty comprehending what drives some young people to engage in dangerous activities of this sort. I don’t understand it, and so I find it very disappointing,” Chapman said.
Chapman did say, however, she generally opposes “more repressive measures” like adding more security around the park. Her suggestions for mitigating mischief around holidays and fireworks is to start a public information campaign, with police going into schools or community centres.
Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic told CBC News in an emailed statement the behaviour on Monday “has no place in our community.”
“Those accused of wrongdoing need to be held responsible and must be brought to justice,” Vrbanovic said.
He thanked police, bylaw and corporate security teams for proactive planning ahead of the day as well as “their immediate and effective response.”
“While last night’s behaviours by a small group are more than disappointing, all of us at the City of Kitchener remain committed to work with our community and our partners to build a safe and welcoming community that everyone can enjoy during times of community celebration and every day!”
Troublesome trend
Kitchener has seen a trend of people going to Victoria Park on holidays and police responding to calls about large crowds and fireworks.
On July 1, 2025, police had to break up a large unsanctioned gathering in the park and the downtown areas of Kitchener. Police said at the time that one person, a 17-year-old male, was charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. As well, several tickets were handed out for trespassing and officers seized fireworks from young people in the park.
During Victoria Day weekend in 2024, a 14-year-old was charged with assault and possession of a weapon after police say a large crowd in the park and downtown area caused disturbances and some people shot fireworks out of moving vehicles and directly at police officers.
There was a similar situation on Victoria Day weekend in 2023 after police were called to Victoria Park for fighting and fireworks. At those calls, one police officer and one Kitchener by-law officer had minor lower-body injuries after being struck by fireworks. In one case, a teen was arrested after fireworks were shot into a crowd of people.
There have also been reports of similar disturbances in Waterloo. On July 1, 2024, city Coun. Julie Wright reported she was shot in the face intentionally with a firework as she was leaving Waterloo Park. A 37-year old Kitchener man was charged.
In 2025, Kitchener and Waterloo both banned the sales of fireworks, and increased fines and time restrictions in an effort to crackdown on misuse.
Other arrests made over weekend
Waterloo regional police made several arrests over the Victoria Day long weekend. Police responded to calls for service regarding reckless use of fireworks, noise complaints, public intoxication and disturbances throughout the region.
Police said Tuesday four arrests were made in connection to Victoria Day celebrations and fireworks in Kitchener.
A youth was also arrested Monday at approximately 5:30 p.m. after officers on patrol in Victoria Park identified him as one of the suspects in a fireworks theft that happened Friday in Cambridge.
Police said officers received a report of a theft at a business in the area of Hespeler Road and Sheldon Drive shortly before 7 p.m.
Police said a group of youths entered the business and took a quantity of fireworks before fleeing the area. Three suspects were seen leaving on foot, police said.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to call police.