Ten people were arrested at a pro- and anti-immigration demonstration as the opposing groups faced off at Christie Pits Park on Saturday afternoon.

Toronto police say one man was arrested for an assault at one of the demonstrations, but have not provided any details about the other nine arrests, saying only that additional information would come by way of a press release.

The Canada First Rally drew attention, with organizers saying they want to stand up for what they call Canadian values and push back against mass immigration.

“At the end of the day, when you allow millions of people from other countries around the world, it puts strain on our resources,” said Canada First Rally Organizer Joe Anidjar, who explained that his message is about prioritizing Canadians.

“I want to make it clear that this country means the world to me, our history, our culture, our identity, and that’s what this movement is about. It’s about Canadians First. There’s no room for violence, we’re allowed to share our views, we’re allowed to have different opinions.”

A counter-protest titled “No to Hate, Yes to Immigrants!” held its own demonstration. They say immigration strengthens Canada and wanted to show solidarity with newcomers.

“We’re here to basically say that racists aren’t welcome in our park and in our community, and actually in any community. We don’t believe that immigrants are to blame for the economic crisis that a lot of people are experiencing,” said Deena Ladd, executive director of Workers Action Centre.

Area councillor Dianne Saxe denounced the rally, categorizing it as a “hate demonstration.”

“Many constituents have written to my office expressing similar concern,” Saxe wrote in a press release issued last month. “This rally does not represent what we stand for as a city or as Canadians.”

The councillor said she escalated the issue with City staff to ensure “all appropriate response protocols are in place,” with on-site staff to help monitor the situation, while also notifying the Toronto Police Service Hate Crime Division to ensure public safety.

Saxe believes the location was chosen deliberately, given the park has a storied history.

In 1933, thousands of people converged at the park for one of Canada’s most notable antisemitic riots and counter-protests that broke out after a Nazi-inspired flag with a Swastika was pulled out during a baseball game

In advance of the demonstration, police posted a social media statement saying they were aware of the rally and counter-rallies and had planned to be at the park.

At the planned start time of the rally, demonstrators carrying Canadian flags marched from Christie Pits onto Bloor St. West, beginning their march across the city.

Dozens of officers lined Bloor St. West to block off portions of the road as the anti-immigration demonstrators marched from the city’s west end to its downtown core.

The counter-ralliers remained at Christie Pits Park, playing drums, saying chants, offering face painting and handing out snacks and drinks. 

Ladd said the goal was to spread love, not hate.

“We’re here to basically say that racists aren’t welcome in our park and in our community, and actually in any community. We don’t believe that immigrants are to blame for the economic crisis that a lot of people are experiencing,” she said.

“Our communities have shown today that, regardless of the racism that you’re going to espouse, we are going to continue to celebrate who we are.”

Later on, a standoff ensued between the two groups when a few dozen anti-immigration demonstrators made their way into the park, standing opposite a more sizable group of counter-ralliers.

Around half a dozen mounted police units rode between the opposing groups in the park, positioning themselves at times to keep the crowds apart.

Supporters of the rally say they’ll continue pushing for stricter border controls, while counter protesters vow to stand behind immigrants. For now, both groups say they aren’t letting their message go unheard.

Files from The Canadian Press were used in this report