Waterloo Regional Police responded to a large volume of calls during Victoria Day celebrations in Kitchener and across Waterloo Region.

Between approximately 4:30 p.m. on May 18, 2026, and 12 a.m. on May 19, 2026, police received multiple calls for service in Victoria Park and throughout downtown Kitchener.

Police and City of Kitchener Bylaw officers responded to incidents including disturbances, fireworks being discharged in public spaces, and mischief.

Hundreds of people gathered throughout the park and downtown Kitchener. To ensure public safety and the dispersal of the crowds, Victoria Park was closed at approximately 9 p.m.

In Kitchener’s Victoria Park, a youth was arrested after throwing a lit firework that exploded on two motor vehicles. The youth, a 15-year-old male from Cambridge, was charged with failing to comply with an undertaking and engaging in a prohibited act under the Trespass to Property Act. He was held in police custody for a bail hearing.

In another incident, police and by-law officers were on foot patrol in the area of Queen Street South and Charles Street West when an unknown male threw a firework onto the roadway. The firework then struck a police officer and a by-law officer, who did not sustain any physical injuries. The investigation remains ongoing by WRPS’ General Investigations Unit.

Waterloo Regional Police mobilized resources from across the organization, including the Public Order Unit, Direct Action Response Team, Community and Youth Engagement Unit, General Investigations Unit, and Community Policing to manage events throughout the Region.

Throughout the Region, officers responded to calls for service regarding reckless use of fireworks, noise complaints, public intoxication, and disturbances.