Efforts to stop St. Patrick’s day street parties ineffective, students say

Another St. Paddy's day has come and gone and this year, police and the City of Waterloo followed traditional methods to stop large unsanctioned street gatherings. 

Fencing was placed along Ezra Street – blocking access and causing thousands of students to gather on neighbouring Marshall Street for a second year in a row.

CityNews570 spoke with students following the large unsanctioned street gatherings on Friday, asking if they felt efforts by Regional Police and the City of Waterloo to prevent the parties made a difference. 

The overwhelming answer was, no. 

“Ezra was a waste of time because everyone was at Marshall anyway… so there was no point in blocking it off – and even if they didn't go to Marshall, there are one-hundred different streets they could go to anyways: so it doesn't matter.”

Another student argued the effort by police and the city was a waste of money.

“I would say that probably cost the city a low five-figure amount of money to put up fences everywhere and have security out there. Kids are just going to do whatever they please.” 

One student said, despite the large police and security presence things, still got out of hand.

“There was a handful of fistfights, there was a lot of property damage.” 

A resident who lives on Ezra Street tells CityNews570 they, however, didn't find the increased fencing to be ineffective.

“I don't think it was a waste of time because if [students] did go on to the properties it would probably have got as bad as Marshall did.” 

The City of Waterloo issued a statement to CityNews570 on Monday regarding the unsanctioned street party. 

“While we're disappointed that some individuals chose to participate in an unsanctioned street gathering once again, we're grateful that the primary goal of public safety was achieved,” read the e-mail statement.

“These type of unwanted events place a strain on local hospitals as well as resources such as police, paramedic and fire services that could be better utilized elsewhere in the community. We thank our first responders – particularly WRPS, city bylaw, Waterloo Fire, paramedic services and hospital staff for their efforts in maintaining public health and safety.”