Guelph police with extensive plan ahead of St. Patrick’s Day parties

Following the lead of Waterloo Region’s policing agency, Guelph Police Service said it will be adding more officers to its schedule this weekend ahead of St. Patrick’s Day.

For years the area has seen large gatherings around the holiday, and this year police are cracking down. Recently Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) was given a court injunction, meaning anyone caught taking part in rowdy, unsanctioned celebrations could be arrested, detained, or charged with breach of a court order.

Guelph police are following the lead, adding that anyone in the city hosting or attending a rowdy or unsanctioned party can be fined up to $1,000 under the nuisance bylaw.

Public nuisance is described as:

• Unreasonable noise, loud music or shouting
• Littering
• Damage or destruction of property
• Public drunkenness, intoxication or disorderly conduct
• Public disturbance, fighting or violence
• People, crowds, vehicles or illegal parking that obstructs the free flow of traffic or could interfere with the ability to provide emergency services;
• Unlawful sale, furnishing or distribution of alcoholic beverages or controlled or illegal substances;
• Unlawful open burning or fireworks;
• Public urination or defecation

Police say they have “an extensive operational plan” in place for the weekend, with them working with bylaw officers, University of Guelph safety office, Guelph Fire and the paramedic service.

Officials are asking that people be respectful while celebrating, and to make sure they know who they are with, how they are getting there and back home.