St. Patrick’s Day celebrations shift to Marshall Street (update)

By CityNews Kitchener Staff

Posted Mar 17, 2022 02:09:00 PM.

8:30 p.m. update 

Police confirmed Marshall Street and Regina Street fully reopened. 

2 p.m. update

Police confirmed Marshall Street was closed between King Street and Regina Street due to safety concerns.

Regina Street has also been closed between Elgin Street and Lodge Street due to pedestrian traffic.

A police spokesperson told CityNews 570, “We are continuing to monitor.”
 

1:20 p.m. update

Police have now closed Marshall Street from Regina Street to Brighton Street.

12 p.m. update

More students have started to gather outside homes on Marshall Street.

At this point, police have not reported any issues.

The celebrations usually happen on Ezra Avenue but that street was fenced off prior to Thursday.

10 a.m. update

Waterloo Regional Police have said they have operational plans to deal with St. Patrick's Day celebrations on Waterloo's Ezra Avenue but it appears students also have plans.

It seems the party has shifted to Marshall Street, which is one block away from Ezra.

Ezra is pretty much on lockdown as fencing has encased the entire road and the homes that run along it.

Students who CityNews 570 reporter Mark Pare spoke with early Thursday morning said they get why the fencing is in place, with most feeling it's overkill.

Last week, the police chief praised students for being very responsible the past two years of the pandemic, heeding the call from him and Waterloo Region's medical officer of health, to follow COVID-19 safety measures and put the party on hold.

But Bryan Larkin added police cannot support unsanctioned events.

“The last two years have been challenging, we also recognize that people are actually looking for social interaction but we cannot support unsanctioned events that put people at risk, “We still have and we will still have a global pandemic when March 17th arrives and so we want to ensure that students celebrate responsibly.”

Larkin also issued the following statement on Thursday morning:

Dear residents of Waterloo Region,

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Today, we recognize St. Patrick's Day throughout Waterloo Region. We also recognize that this St. Patrick’s Day will look a little different, perhaps a little brighter, than it did the past two years.

Restrictions are easing and we are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel as we get a glimpse of life pre-COVID-19 – although we must also recognize that we are not yet at the end of this global pandemic.

Large gatherings continue to pose both a health and safety risk. As such, we kindly ask that you celebrate this year’s festivities responsibly – that you are respectful and continue to put the health and safety of others at the forefront.

If you plan to celebrate, please do so in smaller gatherings, at licenced establishments, or at home. As your Police Service, our top priority is ensuring your safety and the safety of the entire Waterloo Region community.

There have been many challenges throughout the past two years and we remain grateful for all the many sacrifices you have made to ensure the health and safety of yourself, your friends, family, and community.

We understand that it has not been easy but, because of you and your choices, we have made it through – together.

We will continue to work closely with our community and emergency service partners to ensure a complete and extensive operational plan is in place throughout the next 24 hours.

We also ask for your cooperation to make this St. Patrick’s Day a safe and enjoyable time for all. This is about making the right choice – not just for yourself, but for the Waterloo Region community we all call home.

May peace and plenty bless your world
With a joy that long endures
And may all life’s passing seasons
Bring the best to you and yours.

Best wishes for a safe and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Bryan M. Larkin
Chief of Police 

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