Toronto authorities are enhancing security measures for the upcoming 20th annual Big on Bloor Festival, set to take place this weekend.
In anticipation of the event, police will increase their presence in the area, with officers patrolling on foot and bicycles, along with members of the Neighbourhood Community Officer team.
Nadine Ramadan, spokesperson for the Toronto Police Service (TPS), reassures the public, stating, “The event is fully staffed from a policing standpoint, and we are ready for it.”
Expressing excitement for the festival, Ramadan adds, “We are eager to have a fantastic weekend at Big on Bloor and witness both residents and visitors come together to enjoy the festivities and show support for local businesses.”
This security boost follows a recent tragic incident at the Salsa on St. Clair street festival where a targeted shooting resulted in two fatalities and five injuries, prompting Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw to denounce the violence, labeling it as “heartbreaking and unacceptable.”
The Big on Bloor Festival will span from July 18 to July 19, highlighting and celebrating the diverse array of small businesses in the Bloordale area.
Known as one of Toronto’s premier community-centered art festivals, the event attracts over 180,000 attendees annually.
To accommodate the festival, Bloor Street will be closed from Dufferin Street to Lansdowne Avenue for the entirety of the weekend, with festivities running from noon until midnight on Saturday and from noon until 9 p.m. on Sunday.