As of Thursday morning, fencing could be seen along Ezra Avenue in preparations for Friday's unsanctioned street party in the university district of Waterloo.
Officials could be seen putting the final details of security measures in place Friday morning.
City of Waterloo staff have placed new “sidewalk closed” signs on Ezra Avenue near Albert Street. Stay with @CityNewsKIT for updates. pic.twitter.com/0Zy787OyNE
— Brent Cater (@BrentCaterRadio) March 17, 2023
Security guards were seen patrolling the area, with City of Waterloo bylaw staff ticketing vehicles parked near Ezra Avenue.
Police cruisers can now be seen around Ezra Avenue and City of Waterloo bylaw officers are ticketing cars on Bricker Avenue among other streets surrounding Ezra. @CityNewsKIT pic.twitter.com/zSowXky5fm
— Brent Cater (@BrentCaterRadio) March 17, 2023
No students were seen on Ezra Avenue or any other surrounding street as of 10 a.m. Friday morning.
After 12 p.m., revellers were seen shifting the unsanctioned street gathering to Marshall Street. No students were seen gathering in the middle of the street but mostly kept to on the sidewalk.
Marshall Street in Waterloo is getting busy with Laurier students celebrating St. Patrick’s Day and lots of police are out and about @CityNewsKIT pic.twitter.com/jbI93MTeDg
— Brandon Maher (@BrandonCityNews) March 17, 2023
Wilfrid Laurier University tweeted out a message suggesting that the institution is actively discouraging students attending the unsanctioned street party.
#Laurier actively discourages unsanctioned street gatherings.
— Wilfrid Laurier University (@Laurier) March 17, 2023
You should know: there will be parking restrictions, a no guest policy in residence & enhanced security personnel. Look out for each other and make smart choices. https://t.co/7UO6NdQOig pic.twitter.com/WIN6QlB3V4
The City of Waterloo was encouraging those who wish to celebrate St. Patrick's Day to do so at one of the many pubs and restaurants in the city.
It has also announced an overnight parking ban Friday night into Saturday.
(1/2) Notice: There will be no overnight on-street parking permitted in the MacGregor Albert, Northdale or Uptown neighbourhoods today (Friday March 17) and tomorrow (Saturday March 18) .
— City of Waterloo (@citywaterloo) March 17, 2023
📍Area bordered ordered by Westmount Road, Columbia Street, Weber Street and Erb Street. pic.twitter.com/63WXH0xEJA
In the early afternoon, students appeared to have turned out in greater numbers for the festivities - with a sizable presence noted on neighbouring Marshall Street.
Images shared on social media showed students celebrating in the roadway, seemingly blocking traffic on Marshall in the Regina Street North area of Waterloo.
More posts from Marshall Street. @CityNewsKIT pic.twitter.com/KEEXMtsyab
— Erin Anderson (@erinbailey_a) March 17, 2023
Barriers were then put up on Marshall Street and Brighton Street as more students headed towards the large gathering.
Barriers up at Marshall Street & Brighton Street as Laurier students swarm the area for #stpaddysday @CityNewsKIT pic.twitter.com/lYold07Iut
— Brandon Maher (@BrandonCityNews) March 17, 2023
The unsanctioned street gathering swelled in size, with partiers spilling onto Regina Street and the surrounding area.
#stpaddysday celebrations grow bigger and bigger at Marshall Street and Regina Street North as Laurier students take over the University District @CityNewsKIT pic.twitter.com/OnJxXTh6eI
— Brandon Maher (@BrandonCityNews) March 17, 2023
