‘I don’t think that’s particularly fair’: Students react to St. Patrick’s Day injunction
Posted Mar 11, 2025 05:07:10 AM.
Last Updated Mar 11, 2025 04:57:45 PM.
Regional police are ready to dismantle St. Patrick’s Day parties after Waterloo received a court injunction.
It means it will be up to officers to use their discretion on what to do if a large party breaks out across the university district. It allows them to criminally charge students or anyone renting a house seen hosting a “nuisance house party.”
Officers can arrest anyone they deem incompliant with the court injunction, which leaves it up to the courts on what to do next; this could be anything from a fine to a conditional sentence.
“St. Patrick’s Day gatherings have continued to grow over the past several years and do pose a significant public safety concern for all of us,” said Deputy Jen Davis during a press conference on March 10.
“It’s not meant to take away from their ability to celebrate, we’re just asking them to celebrate in licensed, legal establishments where we can ensure the safety of the entire community.”
570 NewsRadio went to the university district to speak with students and heard mixed reactions.
“Ya, I don’t particularly think that’s fair,” said another. “Maybe the drinking could get out of hand, so yea, that part of it might be fair.”
Others say they believe the injunction is “a bit excessive for just a street party.”
“I get it; it can get a little crazy at the street party. But (the injunction is) quite a big reaction.”
Another student said, “some amount of court order would do good.”
And one student told 570 NewsRadio, “It can get wild, but typically it’s tame enough that I think prosecution’s a little too far.” When asked if he ever saw the street party get out of control, he said, “Ya, but that’s part of it.”
In 2024, WRPS recorded spending over $318,000 to support staffing the annual unsanctioned event. Davis said that since 2022, employment costs for WRPS have reached over $800,000 to police St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
“We will be increasing our enforcement efforts and police presence in the area to ensure that individuals are complying with the injunction,” said Davis.
WRPS are using a proactive approach this year, they say it is to ensure the public feels safe. They have operational plans in place, similar to previous years.
Regional police said the real plan this year is education, informing students and partygoers of the risk imposed by the court injunction if they choose not to listen. The City of Waterloo is putting out extra signage this year as well as doing some door-knocking on places they deem problem areas.
“On the weekend of St. Patrick’s Day, the primary thing will be to educate them on the difference of the injunction, letting them know it’s in place, asking them to disperse and not form an unsanctioned event or large gathering,” said Davis. “We have the ability at that point then to use discretion to take any necessary steps after, whether it’s an arrest or a detention or charges being laid.”
The operational plan does not include officers wearing riot gear at events, but they are prepared if one breaks out.
The municipality already has a bylaw in place that allows fines to be slapped on anyone involved in an unsanctioned street gathering. The court injunction comes into effect March 14.
