Add StudioX as a preferred source on GoogleCommunity advocates and residents are raising serious safety concerns following Toronto’s annual Halloween on Church Street event, citing extreme crowd density and reports of criminal behaviour. According to a report by CityNews Toronto, the two-day street gathering in the city’s Church-Wellesley Village drew massive crowds that advocates say compromised safety and public order.
The event, organized by the Church-Wellesley Village Business Improvement Area (BIA), featured a full road closure along Church Street between Carlton and Gloucester streets. Prior to the weekend, officials anticipated that up to 80,000 people could attend the long-standing celebration, which historically served as a central gathering point for the local 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Reports of Assaults and Overcrowding
Advocates report that this year’s gathering suffered from a lack of effective crowd control, creating conditions where attendees faced harassment and violence. Travis Myers, a 2SLGBTQ+ community advocate and founder of the group Friends of Hanlan’s, shared that many individuals reported being pickpocketed, robbed, groped, and sexually assaulted during the festivities.
Myers noted that the gathering appeared to attract large numbers of visitors from across the region who may not have understood the cultural significance of the neighbourhood. He stated that some attendees made derogatory remarks toward trans and gender-diverse individuals and failed to respect bodily autonomy. He added that official police figures may not capture the full extent of incidents, as many individuals refrain from reporting sexual assaults directly to law enforcement due to strained community relations.
Rodney Chan, an advocate who previously supported pedestrianization initiatives on the street, also expressed concerns about severe crowding that approached dangerous levels. Chan suggested that structural elements from previous pedestrian pilot programs—such as designated security staff, additional seating, and defined barriers—could help prevent hazardous overcrowding at future celebrations.
Police Response and City Review
Figures provided by the Toronto Police Service show that officers received 86 calls for service regarding 107 separate incidents between 6 p.m. Saturday and 6 a.m. Sunday. Police reported that 97 of those calls allegedly involved theft under $5,000, which includes pickpocketing. Other reported incidents included sexual assault, assault causing bodily harm, vehicle mischief, trespassing, lost property, and a driving complaint.
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw noted during a news conference that law enforcement works with organizers prior to major events to assess anticipated crowds and assign resources appropriately. Meanwhile, incoming Ward 13 Toronto Centre Councillor Curran Stikuts expressed his intention to collaborate with local organizers and city officials to review traffic management and safety plans. Stikuts emphasized the need to ensure the historic event remains safe and welcoming for everyone.
CityNews Toronto reported that the Church-Wellesley Village BIA received $32,000 from the municipality for the event but did not respond to requests for comment regarding crowding and safety measures. Advocates have suggested potential future changes, including ticketed entry to manage crowd sizes and support local charities while refocusing the celebration on its community roots.
Source: CityNews Toronto
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