Celebrating Carnival in the Community

Police joined the community in celebration of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival.

“That's what makes Toronto so special,” Chief Myron Demkiw said at the kickoff event held at the Elmbank Community Centre July 14 in the leadup to the many Carnival events that has been a tradition since 1991. “Many diverse communities and neighbourhoods, and each one contributes to the strength and character of our city because we are all stronger together.”

The celebration brought together Caribbean diplomats, community leaders, police officials, partners and residents to celebrate with steel pan, costumes and cuisine representing the Caribbean.

“Our members come from all backgrounds, including many who are of Caribbean heritage,” Demkiw said. “For us, police officers, it is important that we build strong relationships, engage with people, listen to their concerns, and be active members of the communities we serve. That's why events like today's matter so much.”

Organized by the Toronto Police Service's Community Partnership and Engagement Unit (CPEU), under the leadership of Superintendent Anthony Paoletta, in partnership with Elmbank Community Centre, the launch was held in the community for the third consecutive year.

Demkiw thanked Paoletta, Constable Curtis Celestine and members of the CPEU for organizing the celebration and said the Service would maintain a strong presence throughout this year's Carnival festivities.

“Throughout Caribbean Carnival and other festivals this summer, we will continue to have a strong, visible presence, working closely with our partners and doing everything we can to ensure the safety of attendees and the community,” he added.

Paoletta welcomed guests by noting that the annual launch reflects the Toronto Police Service's longstanding relationship with Toronto's Caribbean community.

“At the Toronto Police Service, we recognize that Carnival is much more than a festival,” he said. “It is a celebration of heritage, identity and community. The Service is proud to support an event that brings people together and strengthens relationships across Toronto.”

That message of community building and inclusion was echoed by Toronto Police Service Board Vice Chair Chris Brillinger, who described the Toronto Caribbean Carnival as a reflection of the city ‘at its best’, bringing together culture, history, creativity and community while creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to connect.

“The music, movement and energy here today speak to a strong sense of pride and connection and set the tone for the weeks ahead,” he said.

Brillinger said Carnival also provides an opportunity to recognize the resilience, creativity and enduring contributions of Black Canadians while acknowledging Canada's historical connection to the Transatlantic Slave Trade and the legacy of slavery.

“Recognizing this history helps us better understand the experiences that have shaped Black communities,” he said.

Describing Carnival as both ‘a vibrant celebration of culture, heritage and community’ and a reminder that the injustices of the past must never be repeated, Brillinger reaffirmed a shared commitment to building a more inclusive society and continuing to confront anti-Black racism.

The importance of building relationships was reinforced by several community representatives who spoke about Carnival as a vehicle for partnership, inclusion and youth engagement.

Sara Ali, co-chair of the Toronto Police Service's Black Community Consultative Committee, said the Carnival reflects the same values the committee promotes year-round by strengthening relationships between the Black community and police through trust, dialogue and collaboration.

“Today's theme, 'Stronger Together,' perfectly reflects the work we strive to do every day,” she said. “Lasting partnerships are built by listening to one another, working together and creating opportunities where every voice matters.”

Detective Sergeant Leslie Dunkley, President of the Black Internal Support Network, said the event celebrates the resilience and cultural legacy of Toronto's Caribbean community while recognizing the many Service members of Caribbean heritage who proudly participate each year.

“The Toronto Caribbean Carnival reflects values of visibility, unity and empowerment that align closely with the BISN's mission,” he said. “We extend sincere appreciation to the organizers, performers and volunteers whose dedication sustains this important tradition.”

Jelani Philbert, Community Recreation Supervisor with the City of Toronto's Community Development Unit, praised the partnership that brought the Carnival launch back into the community, saying the event helps introduce young people to one of Toronto's most important cultural celebrations.

“I can only hope that this is the beginning of a relationship with our young campers and kids in the community for the Toronto Caribbean Carnival,” he said. “Last summer the kids at Heron Park were able to experience this kickoff and it was phenomenal.”

Etobicoke North Councillor Vincent Crisanti said the Toronto Caribbean Carnival provides an opportunity to recognize the Caribbean community's enduring impact on Toronto's culture, economy and identity while celebrating safely with family and friends.

“This cherished summertime festival is an essential opportunity to recognize the countless contributions members of Toronto's Caribbean community make to our economy, culture and heritage,” he said. “Our city will not be the great place that it is without you in it.”