Police have laid 89 charges, mostly bylaw infractions, against 72 people in crackdown
The aim of the police operation is to clean up Marie Curtis Park, a green space at the mouth of Etobicoke Creek in Long Branch, Toronto's most southwestern area, close to Mississauga.
The project began after police stepped up patrols of the park following community complaints, according to Toronto police Const. Kevin Ward of 22 Division.
"When we started doing some extra patrols down there, my partner and I came across an individual standing on the beach that drew our attention," Ward said.
"He was engaged in some sexual activity. When we went over and investigated, we found out that he was a registered sex offender and was in breach of his conditions at that time. That very alarming arrest kind of spring-boarded this entire project in motion."
Ward said officers, during their "plain clothes enforcement," were solicited for sex in the park. At other times, officers witnessed open sexual activity or men soliciting other men.
"Ultimately, at the end of the day, the public and the community has come to us and said, 'this behaviour is out of control, it's unacceptable and we don't want it in our neighbourhood.'"
Ward said police are not targeting any one particular group. "We have been told clearly by the public that they want this behaviour gone. Whether it's males or females being engaged in this activity, it's not acceptable."
Two months ago, police launched the project after several complaints from the community, a couple of reports of sexual assault and an arrest for indecent exposure, all of which occurred in the park, she said. The sexual acts mainly involve men having sex with men.
She said the community wants the park to be a family friendly place where adults and children can enjoy the outdoors without fear of witnessing sexual acts. There have also been complaints about litter left behind, including condoms.
Toronto police lay charges after Etobicoke residents complain of public sex acts in park - Toronto - CBC News
The aim of the police operation is to clean up Marie Curtis Park, a green space at the mouth of Etobicoke Creek in Long Branch, Toronto's most southwestern area, close to Mississauga.
The project began after police stepped up patrols of the park following community complaints, according to Toronto police Const. Kevin Ward of 22 Division.
"When we started doing some extra patrols down there, my partner and I came across an individual standing on the beach that drew our attention," Ward said.
"He was engaged in some sexual activity. When we went over and investigated, we found out that he was a registered sex offender and was in breach of his conditions at that time. That very alarming arrest kind of spring-boarded this entire project in motion."
Ward said officers, during their "plain clothes enforcement," were solicited for sex in the park. At other times, officers witnessed open sexual activity or men soliciting other men.
"Ultimately, at the end of the day, the public and the community has come to us and said, 'this behaviour is out of control, it's unacceptable and we don't want it in our neighbourhood.'"
Ward said police are not targeting any one particular group. "We have been told clearly by the public that they want this behaviour gone. Whether it's males or females being engaged in this activity, it's not acceptable."
Two months ago, police launched the project after several complaints from the community, a couple of reports of sexual assault and an arrest for indecent exposure, all of which occurred in the park, she said. The sexual acts mainly involve men having sex with men.
She said the community wants the park to be a family friendly place where adults and children can enjoy the outdoors without fear of witnessing sexual acts. There have also been complaints about litter left behind, including condoms.
Toronto police lay charges after Etobicoke residents complain of public sex acts in park - Toronto - CBC News
