ISSUES
An overview of the current issues facing Victoria Park and its users.
Concerns and Issues with cricket play in Victoria Park.
Safety Concerns
- Cricket balls present serious risks to park visitors and nearby residents.
Activity During Wait Times
- Teams waiting for their turn often practice in unsafe locations, such as near the road, parked cars, and the baseball diamond.
Property Damage
- Players frequently practice against the clubhouse, a historic building, causing damage to its cedar shake siding.
Lack of Public Washroom Access
- With multiple teams—sometimes totaling 40+ players—using the park for 12+hr periods on weekends, the lack of washroom facilities (currently closed) has led to unsanitary conditions in other park areas.
Unprepared Safety Netting
- The safety netting installed by the City has not been raised for the season, further increasing the risk of injury. VPTC has collected 180+ cricket balls (as of July 2025) from within the fence since this net was erected.
Parking and Traffic Violations
- Increased traffic has resulted in parking violations near fire hydrants, fire routes, and restricted zones in front of houses. Speeding through the neighborhood has also been reported to VPTC.
Non-Resident Usage
- Many cricket teams travel from as far away as Mississauga and Hamilton, often unaware of local agreements, by-laws and safety concerns.
By-Law Infractions
- Current by-laws, such as the restriction on hardball use without a permit, are frequently disregarded.
Littering
- Residents and VPTC members often clean up trash, including cigarette butts, left by cricket players.
Trespassing
- Players are repeatedly observed crossing into fenced backyard properties.
Responsibility
- A permit holder would be identifiable in cases of accidents or property damage, ensuring accountability.