Carving Out Community Spirit
Community partnerships, creativity, and a little friendly competition took over the Community Safety Hub at the Dufferin Mall as Toronto Police Service members joined local students for the inaugural TPS Pumpkin Carving Showdown.
Hosted by 11 Division and the Bloordale, Bloorcourt and Rogers Road Business Improvement Associations (BIAs), the event brought together Neighbourhood Community Officers from 11, 13, 22, and 53 Divisions and students from Bloor Collegiate Institute and St. Luigi Catholic School to work side-by-side in a one-hour pumpkin carving competition.
"Watching students and TPS members work side-by-side reminded us that some of the best community relationships are built one conversation, one laugh, and sometimes one pumpkin at a time,” 11 Division Superintendent Andrew Ecklund said.
Teams were challenged to create Halloween-themed pumpkin designs while promoting positive community engagement and celebrating the spirit of the season. Throughout the event, Crime Prevention Officers from the Community Partnerships and Engagement Unit shared Halloween safety messaging with families and distributed safety items to children ahead of trick-or-treating.
The Bloor Collegiate Cheer Squad brought the noise as students and TPS members collaborated on carving designs, exchanged ideas, and enjoyed the opportunity to connect outside of traditional policing environments.
“Events like this strengthen trust, foster positive relationships, and remind us that community safety is a shared responsibility,” 11 Division Staff Sergeant Bassey Osagie said.
After a spirited competition and judging process, the team known as the Grizzly Wolves emerged victorious, earning top honours and claiming the inaugural live pumpkin carving championship trophy and some treats to share with fellow students.
The excitement extended well beyond Dufferin Mall.
A Toronto-wide Pumpkin Challenge is now underway until the end of October 31.
A total 18 TPS units accepted the challenge and submitted pumpkin creations showcasing community partnerships, neighbourhood pride, Halloween spirit, and the positive work being done across the Service.
Anyone can cast a vote at https://tinyurl.com/2026TPSpumpkinchallenge by selecting their favourite design. The winning unit will earn not only pumpkin bragging rights, but also a $500 charitable donation made on behalf of their unit, courtesy of the Bloordale, Bloorcourt and Rogers Road BIAs.
“A win-win-win model is achieved with the TPS Divisions and Units having a wonderful opportunity to show off their creativity, unite the public and also give back to a charity or cause by the winning team,” said Meg Marshall, the community manager for West End BIAs.
