Over 450 charges laid during Laurier homecoming
Posted Oct 1, 2018 05:59:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Waterloo Regional Police have released some numbers relating to homecoming at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, which was this past weekend.
Regional Police and the Wilfrid Laurier University Special Constable Service laid 462 charges, over 300 of those fell under the Liquor Licence Act.
Over 70 charges were laid under the Highway Traffic Act.
12 people were also arrested.
Police estimate attendance peaked at 14,000, making it the largest homecoming to date at the school.
“As the Homecoming crowd continues to grow each year, the unsanctioned street event causes a great public safety concern to our entire community,” Waterloo Regional Police Chief, Bryan Larkin, said in a release.
“Not only is it a significant drain on emergency resources, it also brings considerable safety risks to those in attendance. Our officers responded to several calls during the unsanctioned event and witnessed many incidents that were both disrespectful and dangerous. As we move forward, we will continue meeting with our community partners to discuss how we work to end such unlawful, unsafe and unsanctioned gatherings.” Larkin added.
Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services also responded to 36 calls for service in the university district between 10 a.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. Sunday.
20 patients were transported to hospital, six were listed in serious or critical condition.
“These additional 36 calls for service, on top of our regular volume, require significant additional planning and resourcing from all system partners to ensure the unsanctioned gathering does not impact the people trying to access our services throughout the Region,” said Chief of Paramedic Services, Stephen VanValkenburg.
Meantime, Waterloo Fire Rescue Services responded to 35 calls related to homecoming.
Six of the calls were for elevator rescues, eight were false alarms, 12 medical and nine dealt with dangerous conditions.
