Court order could lead to St. Patrick’s Day arrests for those attending gatherings in Waterloo
Posted Mar 10, 2025 09:54:59 AM.
Last Updated Mar 10, 2025 10:56:18 AM.
The City of Waterloo is cracking down on St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the University District by obtaining a court order from the Superior Court of Justice.
The injunction order will be in effect from 12 a.m. on Friday until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, meaning anyone attending, hosting, creating, or sponsoring an unsanctioned street party or violating the city’s nuisance bylaw in the University District could be arrested, detained and held in custody.
That arrest could also lead to charges of disobeying an order of the court, a significantly more severe penalty than tickets issued by bylaw officers in previous years.
The University District of Waterloo includes the Northdale and MacGregor neighbourhoods, as well as Waterloo Park and the majority of the uptown neighbourhood.
It also includes Ezra Avenue, the typical location of the St. Patrick’s Day street party.
In a press release sent out on Monday morning, Waterloo said they hope this action shows students and others that they’re “serious about their safety.”
“We will be increasing our enforcement efforts and police presence in the area to ensure individuals are complying with the injunction,” said Chief Mark Crowell of the Waterloo Regional Police Service. “We want people to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day in a safe and respectful manner that does not cause harm to themselves or others.”
“We ask that those celebrating do so in a licensed, legal establishment and not on a street where the potential for disruptive and dangerous situations may arise.”
More to come.
