Toronto Police ask public to not attend "Santa-themed" gathering this weekend

Toronto Police are asking the public to refrain from attending a “Santa-themed gathering” that has been advertised to take place downtown on December 20.

In a series of tweets, the Police said that the City of Toronto has not authorized the event and that there will be officers present in the area to enforce relevant laws and traffic offences.

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“Toronto is under Provincial order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, which prohibits more than 10 people gathering outside,” police said.

The Toronto Police Service is aware of a Santa-themed gathering advertised for Sunday, December 20, in the downtown area.

This gathering has not been authorized by @CityofToronto.

Please do not attend.

— Toronto Police (@TorontoPolice) December 17, 2020

Toronto Police also shared that a permit has not been issued for the gathering, and trucks or large vehicles are prohibited from taking part.

“Public safety is a priority, and we ask you to stay home to protect yourself and others. We will continue to monitor the situation,” they said in a closing tweet.