A loud explosion heard across parts of Toronto on Thursday evening was part of a controlled film shoot, police confirmed, after the blast sparked concern and speculation online.
Residents across the Greater Toronto Area took to social media shortly after the noise, reporting a powerful boom and flashes of light in the area of Downsview Park, questioning whether it was an accident or emergency.
Some users speculated the explosion could be tied to a music video shoot involving Drake, after the Toronto artist reposted footage of the blast to his Instagram story early Friday morning.
Global News contacted representatives for Drake, but did not receive an immediate response.
Toronto police later confirmed the explosion was related to a “film shoot.”
A public notice issued earlier in the week warned that pyrotechnic special effects would be used in the area, including loud noises, flashes and smoke.
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The production, identified as “Project Bot,” was authorized by the City of Toronto and coordinated with emergency services.
“During the week of April 13th, in the evening, residents and visitors may notice loud noises, flashes of light, and/or smoke in the area for short periods of time,” the notice reads.
“These effects are part of a pre-approved controlled activity … There is no risk to public safety.”
In a statement issued Friday, Downsview Park management apologized to residents for the disruption caused by the blast.
“We understand that the unexpected sounds were alarming and unsettling for many and we are sorry for the disruption this may have caused,” the statement reads.
Officials said there was no risk to public safety and that Toronto police and fire services were involved, but acknowledged the communication did not reach everyone impacted.
Ward 6 Coun. James Pasternak said while he supports Toronto’s film industry, more needs to be done to notify residents.
“I’m highly supportive of the film industry, but when special effects and pyrotechnics are used, we must have more extensive notification in the community,” Pasternak said.
He said his office received numerous emails from residents who were “extremely scared,” with some believing the blast was an industrial explosion.
Pasternak said notifications should go beyond posted notices, suggesting broader outreach including social media, direct communication with local officials and door-to-door distribution.
When asked if his office recieved any alert about the special effects, he said they are still “looking for an email in our inbox and can’t find it.”
“There must be a better system,” he added.
He called the incident a “sobering” reminder of the impact such effects can have.
Pasternak said he plans to push at council for additional requirements around community notification when special effects are used.
It’s not about notifying residents, it’s how harmful to our environment and the air we breath in, if this one is allowed, which means any production in the future will be allow as well? If that’s the case, we have hundreds of explosion polluting our air, city of Toronto is ok with that? do we have the right to say no to this as a citizen?