Downsview Park management apologizes after explosion during Drake filming rattled residents

Coun. James Pasternak says there was 'inadequate' notification of the local community of the filming of an explosion at Downsview Park.

The management of Downsview Park is apologizing to residents who were caught by surprise by a planned explosion during filming of a Drake project on Thursday night.

“We understand that the unexpected sounds were alarming and unsettling for many, and we are sorry for the disruption this may have caused,” said the management of the park, which is federally owned and operated.

“While there was never any risk to public safety—and Toronto Police Service and Toronto Fire Services were involved —we recognize that this does not lessen the impact the experience had on those affected.”

The park noted that while they shared advance notifications about the filming through its website and social media, it admitted that they may not have reached all residents.

“We are reviewing our notification approach to ensure that moving forward nearby residents are better informed of similar activities,” the statement read. “We appreciate the community’s patience and trust as we work to do better.”

Photos and videos of the explosion, which produced a mushroom cloud that was seen across the city, were posted online, with many wondering what caused the blast.

Drake later shared photos of the explosion on his Instagram story, seemingly confirming that it’s tied to him.

• READ MORE: What caused the explosion at Downsview Park?

A spokesperson for the City of Toronto confirmed to CP24 on Friday that a production associated with the rapper took place and that a special effects explosive permit was granted for the shoot.

Coun. James Pasternak, who represents the area, told CP24 that his office received numerous complaints from residents. He said residents around Downsview Park were not adequately notified about the filming.

“The people who were living in the proximity, many of them were not informed,” Pasternak said.

“The people who did not know about it were absolutely shocked and shocked out of their beds as this mushroom cloud hovered over Downsview with a major explosion noise,” the councillor added.

The councillor said he plans to bring an urgent motion to city council next week to tighten the requirements for notification.

Any production using pyrotechnics is required to work with Toronto Fire for approval and with Toronto police and a notice of filming should be issued 48 hours before filming to inform residents and businesses in the area, according to the city.

“It has to go to all three levels of government. It has to go out to each household, social media platforms, and we have to do everything we can. I don’t think the 48 hours is enough. I think we have to go beyond that and have a major investment in public education,” Pasternak said.