Victoria Day Weekend: Celebratory Activities and Your Own Fireworks Safety Tips

During this long Victoria Day weekend, celebratory activities in Toronto await you, your family and friends!

Come out and enjoy the following fun activities (some are FREE or PAY WHAT YOU CAN or ADMISSION BY DONATION):

Victoria Day Fireworks

• The City of Toronto will present a sparkling display of Victoria Day fireworks at Ashbridge’s Bay Park on Monday, May 23 starting at 9:45 p.m.

• Ashbridge’s Bay Park is located on Lake Shore Boulevard East at the foot of Coxwell Avenue and is easily accessible by public transit.

• TTC service will be increased between Queen Street East and the Bloor-Danforth subway on the Coxwell (22A), Main (64) and Woodbine South (92) routes. Members of the public are urged to use public transit and leave personal vehicles at home.

• Please note that City bylaws prohibit members of the public from setting off or selling fireworks in any City park. Enforcement officers will be on site to help ensure a safe and enjoyable event.

Golf

• Toronto’s five municipal golf courses are reasonably priced, conveniently located within city boundaries, and easily accessible by TTC.

• Toronto’s golf courses program with reduced rates for juniors and seniors, plus a Family Night every weekend wherein the Junior member of the family plays for FREE,

• Each course has its own features that appeal to golfers at all levels of ability, with CPGA-certified instruction available.

Riverdale Farm

• The perfect destination for families, Riverdale Farm is located at 201 Winchester St.

• Tour the farm’s scenic grounds to see cows, horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, rabbits and cats.

• Visit the farm residence and the Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum.

• Admission is FREE: Riverdale Farm is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m daily.

High Park Zoo

• Located on Deer Pen Road, the High Park Zoo is home to both domestic and exotic animals, including bison, llamas, peacocks, deer, highland cattle and sheep.

• High Park Zoo is open daily to visitors from 7 a.m. to dusk.

Toronto Island Park

• Catch a ferry to Toronto Island Park ($6.50 return for adults, $4 for seniors and students; $3 for children age 14 and under and FREE for children younger than two) for a scenic picnic, hike or bike ride, or visit the interactive Franklin Children’s Garden.

• Toronto Island Park map

Greenhouses

• A wide variety of flowers are in full bloom at Centennial Park Conservatory (151 Elmcrest Rd.) and Allan Gardens Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave.)

• Both conservatories are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Admission is FREE. More information is available by calling Centennial Park Conservatory at 416-394-8543 and Allan Gardens Conservatory at 416-392-7288.

Discovery Walks

• Residents can explore their city on foot.

• The Discovery Walks program is a series of 11 self-guided walks linking ravines, parks and neighbourhoods.

• Ranging from 1.5 to 11 kilometres, the walks are designed to showcase Toronto’s outstanding natural features and cultural and historical attractions.

• Brochures and maps are available for pickup at civic centres or by visiting http://www.toronto.ca/parks/trails/discover.htm.

Fort York National Historic Site

• Fort York National Historic Site is located at 250 Fort York Blvd.

• What better way to celebrate Victoria Day than to visit the birthplace of Toronto? Enjoy tours, baking in the kitchen and more.

• Regular admission applies. Fort York is open this long weekend, including the Victoria Day holiday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Gibson House

• Located at 5172 Yonge St.: accessible north of the construction site, watch for directional signs.

• Spend the holiday at the home of one of Willowdale’s founding families.

• Sweet treats to taste in the historic kitchen, old-fashioned toys to try in the parlour and lots of hands-on activities in the Discovery Gallery.

• Admission is “PAY  WHAT YOU CAN.” Gibson House is open this long weekend, including the Victoria Day holiday, from noon to 5 p.m. (last entry is at 4:30 p.m.).

Montgomery’s Inn

• Located at 4709 Dundas St. W., at Islington Avenue

• Celebrate Victoria Day with an afternoon tea fit for a Queen.

• Price includes a complimentary guided tour of the Museum. All ages are welcome. First come, first served.

• Admission is $10 plus tax. Montgomery’s Inn is open this long weekend, including the Victoria Day holiday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Scarborough Museum

• Located at 1007 Brimley Rd., in Thomson Memorial Park, north of Lawrence Avenue on Brimley Road

• Visitors will be able to experience early life in rural Scarborough and to stroll through Thomson Memorial Park.

• Children can make crafts and play games. In celebration of Queen Victoria’s birthday, visitors can enjoy traditional tea and scones.

• Admission is BY DONATION. Scarborough Museum is open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., but will be closed on the Victoria Day holiday, May 23.

Please click here for more  information about Toronto’s Historic Sites and Museums.

Also, you can Celebrate at Toronto International Circus Festival May 21 – 23, 2011!

Your Own Fireworks Safety Tips: Plan, Prepare, Protect and Prevent

If you are hosting your own fireworks displays at home, the City of Toronto’s Fire Services have the following important safety tips and precautions when using fireworks and sparklers for Victoria Day celebration this weekend:

Plan:

• Fireworks are only permitted to be used without a permit on designated holidays.

• Purchase fireworks from a retailer displaying a valid, City-issued fireworks vendor’s permit.

• Always read and follow the label directions.

Prepare:

• Fireworks and sparklers should be safely stored and kept out of reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard or drawer.

• Ensure that fireworks can be discharged a safe distance away from combustible materials, including buildings and trees.

• Prior to ignition, fireworks should be buried at least halfway down into a bucket of sand or earth. If portable firing bases are not available, plant them directly in the ground making sure each piece is firmly supported before igniting.

Protect:

• Light the fireworks at arm’s length, stand back and keep your face turned away. If a firework fails to ignite, do not attempt to re-light it. Let it sit in the base for 10 to 15 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

• The adult igniting the fireworks should always wear eye protection and never have any part of his or her body extended over the firework.

• Never throw or point fireworks at other people.

• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.

• Never discharge fireworks from metal or glass containers.

• Never discharge fireworks indoors.

• If someone is burned, immediately run cool water over the wound for three to five minutes as preliminary treatment.

Prevent:

• Sparklers should also be doused with water, or allowed to cool in a safe place away from children playing. The ends of sparklers continue to stay hot for some time, and will easily burn a child’s skin, clothing, or nearby combustible material. Do not use sparklers indoors.

• Children should never be permitted to light fireworks. Adults must be responsible for handling all fireworks materials while spectators watch from a safe distance.

• Only one adult should ignite the fireworks; fireworks are not meant to be hand-held.

• Light only one fireworks item at a time.

• Always have water on hand – from a garden hose and bucket – to soak fireworks after firing them.

Please click here for more information about fireworks safety.

Also, for info about the city’s fireworks by-law, please click here.

Happy Victoria Day!

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

News Release

May 20, 2011

City offering family activities on Victoria Day long weekend

The City of Toronto’s Parks, Forestry and Recreation division and Historic Sites and Museums are offering a wide variety of family activities throughout the Victoria Day weekend.

Victoria Day Fireworks
The City of Toronto will present a sparkling display of Victoria Day fireworks at Ashbridge’s Bay Park on Monday, May 23 starting at 9:45 p.m.

Ashbridge’s Bay Park is located on Lake Shore Boulevard East at the foot of Coxwell Avenue and is easily accessible by public transit. TTC service will be increased between Queen Street East and the Bloor-Danforth subway on the Coxwell (22A), Main (64) and Woodbine South (92) routes. Members of the public are urged to use public transit and leave personal vehicles at home.

Please note that City bylaws prohibit members of the public from setting off or selling fireworks in any City park. Enforcement officers will be on site to help ensure a safe and enjoyable event.

Golf
Toronto’s five municipal golf courses are reasonably priced, conveniently located within city boundaries, and easily accessible by TTC. Each course has its own features that appeal to golfers at all levels of ability, with CPGA-certified instruction available. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/golf.

Riverdale Farm
The perfect destination for families, Riverdale Farm is located at 201 Winchester St. Tour the farm’s scenic grounds to see cows, horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, rabbits and cats. While you’re there, visit the farm residence and the Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum. The farm is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m daily and admission is free. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks.

High Park Zoo
Located on Deer Pen Road, the High Park Zoo is home to both domestic and exotic animals, including bison, llamas, peacocks, deer, highland cattle and sheep. The zoo is open daily to visitors from 7 a.m. to dusk. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks.

Toronto Island Park
Catch a ferry to Toronto Island Park ($6.50 return for adults, $4 for seniors and students; $3 for children age 14 and under and free for children younger than two) for a scenic picnic, hike or bike ride, or visit the interactive Franklin Children’s Garden. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island.

Greenhouses
A wide variety of flowers are in full bloom at Centennial Park Conservatory (151 Elmcrest Rd.) and Allan Gardens Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave.) Both conservatories are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. More information is available by calling Centennial Park Conservatory at 416-394-8543 and Allan Gardens Conservatory at 416-392-7288.

Discovery Walks
Residents can explore their city on foot. The Discovery Walks program is a series of 11 self-guided walks linking ravines, parks and neighbourhoods. Ranging from 1.5 to 11 kilometres, the walks are designed to showcase Toronto’s outstanding natural features and cultural and historical attractions. Brochures and maps are available for pickup at civic centres or by visiting http://www.toronto.ca/parks/trails/discover.htm.

Fort York National Historic Site (250 Fort York Blvd.)
What better way to celebrate Victoria Day than to visit the birthplace of Toronto? Enjoy tours, baking in the kitchen and more. Regular admission applies. Fort York is open this long weekend, including the Victoria Day holiday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Gibson House (5172 Yonge St. Accessible north of the construction site, watch for directional signs)
Spend the holiday at the home of one of Willowdale’s founding families. Sweet treats to taste in the historic kitchen, old-fashioned toys to try in the parlour and lots of hands-on activities in the Discovery Gallery. Admission cost is “pay what you can.” Gibson House is open this long weekend, including the Victoria Day holiday, from noon to 5 p.m. (last entry is at 4:30 p.m.).

Montgomery’s Inn (4709 Dundas St. W., at Islington Avenue)
Celebrate Victoria Day with an afternoon tea fit for a Queen. Price includes a complimentary guided tour of the Museum. All ages are welcome. First come, first served. Admission is $10 plus tax. Montgomery’s Inn is open this long weekend, including the Victoria Day holiday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Scarborough Museum (1007 Brimley Rd., in Thomson Memorial Park, north of Lawrence Avenue on Brimley Road)
Visitors will be able to experience early life in rural Scarborough and to stroll through Thomson Memorial Park. Children can make crafts and play games. In celebration of Queen Victoria’s birthday, visitors can enjoy traditional tea and scones. Admission is by donation. Scarborough Museum is open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., but will be closed on the Victoria Day holiday, May 23.

More information about Toronto’s Historic Sites and Museums is available at http://www.toronto.ca/culture/museums/featured-events.htm.

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. Toronto’s government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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You may also want to know:

• Closure of Gardiner Expressway May 21 – 23 (Until 8 AM on Victoria Day), 2011

• Celebrate at Toronto International Circus Festival May 21 – 23, 2011!

• 26 Self-Guided Walking Tours in Toronto