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- calendar_today October 31, 2026
Preparing for a Safe Halloween in Toronto
As Toronto gears up for Halloween festivities, local police and Health Canada are reminding residents to prioritize safety. With thousands expected to take part in trick-or-treating and the "Halloween on Church" festival, officials have outlined strategies to keep celebrations safe for everyone.
Guidelines for Trick-or-Treaters
Trick-or-treating is central to Halloween, especially for children. According to Toronto police, sticking to familiar, well-lit streets is key for safety. Children and their guardians are urged to use sidewalks, cross only at crosswalks, and stay alert for vehicles. Keeping eyes up and avoiding distractions like phones at crossings is strongly recommended.
Parents are advised to accompany their children or ensure they go out with a trusted friend. Costumes should be properly fitted to maintain visibility and ease of movement. To maximize safety, adding glow sticks or reflective tape to costumes can help keep trick-or-treaters visible to drivers in the dark.
Candy Inspection for Child Safety
Health Canada stresses the importance of candy inspection before eating any treats collected while trick-or-treating. Children are warned not to accept unwrapped or homemade goodies, and adults should inspect all received items. The advice is to:
- Discard homemade or unwrapped treats.
- Check for damaged or partially opened packaging and throw away suspicious items.
- Be alert to choking hazards in candy.
Following these measures helps ensure that only safe, commercially wrapped treats are consumed.
Festival Safety During Halloween on Church
More than 80,000 people are anticipated at the "Halloween on Church" festival in Church-Wellesley Village. With large crowds expected, Toronto police issued additional festival safety tips. Attendees should:
- Keep phones and valuables secure, as crowded spaces can attract pickpockets.
- Remain with trusted friends or a group, and set a plan in case of separation.
- Never leave drinks unattended and avoid accepting drinks from strangers.
- Report thefts or suspicious activity to police promptly.
These steps are intended to maintain personal safety and reduce the risk of theft or other incidents in busy environments.
Road Closures and Traffic Restrictions
To support festival safety, road closures will be in place in the Church-Wellesley Village area. Closures include:
- Church Street between Gloucester and Alexander streets
- Wellesley Street East around Church Street
Roads will be closed from 5 p.m. Saturday until 7 a.m. Sunday, with additional traffic restrictions likely as needed.
Summary of Halloween Safety Reminders
Whether celebrating by trick-or-treating or joining large-scale festivities, Toronto police and Health Canada encourage everyone to remain vigilant. Costume visibility, careful candy inspection, securing valuables, and following guidance on road closures can all contribute to a safe and enjoyable Halloween for residents across the city.
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Source: nowtoronto.com.
