Waterloo granted court injunction, St. Patrick’s Day street revellers could be arrested

Waterloo, ON -- The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has granted the City of Waterloo an Injunction Order for St. Patrick’s Day weekend. The Injunction Order will be in effect from Friday, March 14, 2025 at 12:00 a.m. through Monday, March 17, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Anyone attending, hosting, creating, sponsoring, or permitting a Nuisance Party,  unsanctioned street gathering, or otherwise violating s. 2.1 of the City’s Nuisance By-law in the University District area could be arrested, detained and held in custody by the police, and charged with disobeying an order of court.  

The University District area encompasses the Northdale and MacGregor neighbourhoods, the southern portion of the Sugarbush neighbourhood, and a majority of the Uptown neighbourhood. It also includes Waterloo Park.

The Injunction Order is an additional tool for law enforcement officers. With the Injunction Order in effect, the police will be able to arrest and detain people who violate the order. This will help law enforcement clear crowds. Previously, those participating in unsanctioned street gatherings and nuisance activities would be subject to a ticket and fines under the City’s Nuisance By-law. Municipal By-law Officers can still issue penalty notices (tickets) under the Nuisance By-law; Waterloo Regional Police Service is authorized to detain, arrest, and otherwise remove people who are committing the criminal offence of disobeying an order of court.

“This injunction is an additional tool to help us prevent and address dangerous unsanctioned street gatherings in Waterloo,” said Nicole Papke, Director of Municipal Enforcement for the City of Waterloo. “On top of tickets and fines, there are now additional significant legal consequences for gathering. We hope that this shows students and others that we are serious about their safety. We want to emphasize how important it is to the City and the community that they find other ways to celebrate responsibly without tying up crucial public safety resources.” 

The Post-Secondary District Safety Initiative is a community partnership between the City of Waterloo, Waterloo Regional Police Service, Wilfrid Laurier University, University of Waterloo, Conestoga College, and Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services to address the unsafe and disruptive behaviour of the large unsanctioned street gatherings and nuisance parties that have occurred around St. Patrick’s Day.  These community partners continue to implement the recommendations of the Large Street Gathering Task Force to address continued public safety and nuisance concerns associated with these gatherings.

“We have been working closely with our community and emergency response partners over the past several months, engaging in joint operational planning surrounding St. Patrick’s Day events. This injunction provides a proactive approach to helping us ensure the safety of all residents who may be affected by unsanctioned and unsafe street gatherings.

We will be increasing our enforcement efforts and police presence in the area to ensure individuals are complying with the injunction. We want people to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day in a safe and respectful manner that does not cause harm to themselves or others. We ask that those celebrating do so in a licensed, legal establishment and not on a street where the potential for disruptive and dangerous situations may arise.”

-- Chief Mark Crowell, Waterloo Regional Police Service

"The safety and well-being of our students and our community remain our top priority. Laurier strongly discourages unsanctioned street gatherings. We are working closely with the City of Waterloo, emergency service partners, local post-secondary institutions and Laurier student leaders to develop and implement operational and communication strategies that address increasing safety concerns and ensure a unified response to this issue. For this reason, Laurier supported the City’s application for this injunction."

-- David McMurray, VP Student Affairs, Wilfrid Laurier University

“The University of Waterloo supports the City of Waterloo’s decision to seek a court order as a tool to aid in the management of the large, unsanctioned street gatherings that typically occur over the St. Patrick’s Day weekend. We continue to discourage students from participating in these gatherings. We will also work closely with Waterloo’s student associations to encourage safe and responsible celebrations.”

-- Chris Read, Associate Provost, Students, University of Waterloo

"Conestoga College is pleased to work in partnership with the Post-secondary District Safety Initiative. Keeping our neighbourhoods safe is a shared responsibility and we encourage all community members to celebrate responsibly, respect one another and make choices that ensure their safety and the well-being of those around them.”

-- Kirsty Bradley-McMurtrie, Associate Vice President, Risk Management, Conestoga College

“Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services has been working closely with our emergency services partners on St. Patrick’s Day planning. We support the City of Waterloo’s decision to move forward with an injunction to ensure public health and safety. We encourage everyone to reduce the negative impacts of binge drinking and substance misuse. Protect yourself and first responders by looking out for each other and celebrating at home or in a small group with people you trust.”

-- John Riches, Chief, Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services

"Public safety and respectful behaviour is our priority and expectation, and we have been working with our community partners to address the issue of unsanctioned gatherings in Waterloo. Large street gatherings are dangerous and put everyone at risk, slowing response for emergencies across the city. We encourage everyone to consider the potential consequences to our community, treat your neighbours with respect, and find ways to celebrate responsibly."

-- Sandy van Solm, Deputy Fire Chief, Waterloo Fire Rescue

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Media contacts:

Cari Van Niekerk
Director, Corporate Communications
City of Waterloo
cari.vanniekerk@waterloo.ca

Cherri Greeno
Director of Corporate Affairs
Waterloo Regional Police Service
cherri.greeno@wrps.on.ca

Lori Chalmers Morrison
Director, Integrated Communications
Wilfrid Laurier University
lchalmersmorrison@wlu.ca

Rebecca Elming
Director, Media Relations and Issues Management
University of Waterloo
relming@uwaterloo.ca

Brenda Bereczki
Executive Director, Corporate Communications
Conestoga College
Bbereczki@conestogac.on.ca

Audrey Ready Holt
Associate Director, Communications
Community Services, Public Health & Paramedic Services, ROW
areadyholt@regionofwaterloo.ca