What caused the explosion at Downsview Park?

Drake performs alongside Vybz Kartel at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sammy Kogan

Toronto’s very own lit up the night sky at Downsview Park on Thursday, but the local councillor says residents were “shocked out of their beds” by the explosion as they were inadequately informed about filming.

Drake posted photos on his Instagram on Thursday night showing what appears to be an explosion at the park, with a ball of fire shooting into the sky.

It is unclear what the shoot was for, but many online are speculating it is for a music video as part of his much-anticipated “Iceman” album. Drake has not confirmed the release date.

Residents near the park also took to social media after seeing the explosion.

Coun. James Pasternak, who represents the area, told CP24 on Friday that his office received a “wide range” of complaints from residents who were shocked to see a mushroom cloud and the explosion.

“The city issues the permit, but it comes with strict conditions, including notification of the local community, and that was inadequate,” Pasternak said.

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

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

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

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

“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,” the councillor said.

Explosion brought up memories of 2008 propane incident

Pasternak noted that Thursday’s fireball brought up memories of the 2008 Downsview propane explosion, saying residents are still haunted by that incident.

The councillor maintained that even his office was not aware of the shoot and that if his staff had known about it, they would have informed residents through social media and assisted with door-to-door distribution of notification.

“But 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,” Pasternak said.

He added, “And while we appreciate Drake’s interest in using Downsview, even though they were federal lands, we absolutely must make sure that the community knows when we’re using pyrotechnics or improvised explosions and special effects that they know when it’s coming, the time it’s coming.”

An advisory on its website, Downsview Park confirmed there were “planned pyrotechnic effects” being carried out during the week of April 13.

“Residents and visitors may notice loud noises, flashes of light, and/or smoke in the area for short periods of time,” the notice read.

“These effects are part of a pre-approved controlled activity occurring at Downsview Park and will be conducted by licensed professionals in coordination with Toronto Police and Fire Services.”

The advisory added that there is “no risk to public safety.”