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For Immediate Release: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Blue Mountains, ON - The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) is proud to announce that York Regional Police and the City of Vaughan have been awarded the OACP Traffic Safety Excellence Award for their collaborative and innovative work on Operation Silent Night.
Launched in response to the growing threat of illegal and dangerous car rallies in Vaughan, Operation Silent Night represents a comprehensive and highly effective approach to traffic safety, crime prevention, and public order.
These unsanctioned gatherings—often involving stunt driving, noise nuisances, and large crowds—posed significant risks to public safety and drained law enforcement and municipal resources. The turning point came in March 2024 when a 15-year-old girl was shot during one of these events, underscoring the urgent need for action.
Through a multi-pronged and coordinated effort, York Regional Police and the City of Vaughan developed and implemented a strategy that included:
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New Municipal By-Laws prohibiting car rallies and increasing noise-related penalties.
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An Administrative Monetary Penalty (AMP) system for immediate and efficient enforcement.
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A comprehensive media and crime prevention campaign in collaboration with local partners.
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Innovative enforcement tactics including drone surveillance, undercover operations, and bicycle units.
This initiative led to more than $80,000 in fines, a 66 per cent decrease in illegal car rallies, and a 39 per cent reduction in street racing-related calls. Most importantly, it achieved its primary goal—an immediate halt to illicit car rallies within Vaughan.
The success of Operation Silent Night has inspired other municipalities such as the City of Brampton to adopt similar legislative and enforcement measures. The strategy has also been shared with a provincial public order working group as a template to address illegal car rallies across Ontario.
The OACP congratulates York Regional Police and the City of Vaughan for setting a new standard in traffic safety and public protection through their exemplary leadership and innovation.
This annual award is made possible by the generous support from the CAA South Central Ontario
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Please direct media inquiries to:
Dr. José Luís (Joe) Couto
Director of Government Relations and Communications
Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police
416-919-9798
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