Post-Secondary District Safety Initiative

The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has granted the City of Waterloo’s application for an Injunction Order on St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Anyone attending, hosting, creating, sponsoring, or permitting a Nuisance Party or unsanctioned street gathering, or otherwise violating s. 2.1 of the City’s Nuisance By-law could be arrested, detained and held in custody by the police, and charged with violating a court order. 

This order is no longer in effect

On this page:

1. Post-Secondary District Safety Initiative
2. What is different this year?
3. Large unsanctioned gatherings
4. Nuisance bylaw
5. Charges, penalties and remedial costs
6. Make a bylaw complaint

Post-Secondary District Safety Initiative

The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has granted the City of Waterloo’s application for an Injunction Order for St. Patrick’s Day weekend, from Friday, March 14, 2025 at 12:00 a.m. through Monday, March 17, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. The Injunction Order (PDF) means that anyone attending, hosting, creating, sponsoring, or permitting a Nuisance Party or unsanctioned street gathering, or otherwise violating s. 2.1 of the City’s Nuisance bylaw in the University District could be arrested, detained and held in custody by the police, and charged with disobeying an order of court. Read Justice Gibson’s endorsement of the injunction motion and the subsequent reasons for decision. 

The Post-Secondary District Safety Initiative is a community partnership between the City of Waterloo, Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS), 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.

The university district 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. 

View the university district map (PDF)

What is different this year?

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 bylaw. Municipal Enforcement Officers can still issue penalty notices (tickets) under the Nuisance bylaw and 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.

Large unsanctioned gatherings

Large unsanctioned gatherings are a significant concern in the City of Waterloo. Responding to these events puts strain on the City of Waterloo and community partner services, including Police, Fire, Paramedics, Municipal Law Enforcement, local hospitals and the City’s Public Works department. The communities in our off-campus neighbourhoods are directly impacted by these events, and residents across Waterloo Region are put at risk when emergency services and community safety resources are busy dealing with large, unsanctioned gatherings and Nuisance Parties. 

Through the Post-Secondary District Safety Initiative, community partners continue their work to implement the recommendations of the Large Street Gathering Task Force to address the unsafe and disruptive behaviour associated with unsanctioned gatherings

Nuisance bylaw

The City’s Nuisance bylaw is in effect all year long, and addresses unsafe and disruptive behaviour. It was updated in September 2023 to address continued public safety and nuisance concerns around large unsanctioned gatherings, including a definition for a “Nuisance Party” and specific behaviours that may become a public safety concern.

Under the bylaw, no person shall attend, promote or otherwise encourage a Nuisance Party, which is defined as one or more of the following activities:

•  public disorderly conduct
•  public intoxication or public drunkenness
•  the unlawful sale, furnishing, or distribution of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances
• the deposit of refuse on public or private property
• damage to or destruction of public or private property
• pedestrian traffic, vehicular traffic, or illegal parking that obstructs the free flow of traffic or could interfere with the ability to provide emergency services
• unreasonable noise or Nuisance Noise, including loud music shouting that is of such a volume or nature as likely to disturb the inhabitants of the city
• unlawful open burning or fireworks
• use of smoke grenade or similar device
• public disturbances, including public brawls or public fights
• outdoor public urination or defecation or other bodily emissions
• use of entry upon a roof not intended for such occupancy

Charges, penalties and remedial costs

Anyone charged under the Nuisance bylaw may be required to appear before a justice of the peace at the Ontario Court of Justice. A conviction by the Court may result in a fine, probation, or other orders. The Court docket, which includes the defendant’s name, is public information and can be viewed by the public.

If charged, an individual host, property owner, or attendee can face up to $25,000 for a first offence and $50,000 for any subsequent offence related to a nuisance party, including obstructing the free flow of traffic.

In addition, individuals may be issued penalty notices under the City’s Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS), and subject to the following administrative penalties:

In addition to fines or penalties, people who cause, permit, sponsor, organize or conduct a Nuisance Party may be liable for remedial costs. These costs are subject to interest, and may be recovered by action, or by adding the costs to the tax roll and collected in the same manner as property taxes.

The City has also declared a Community Safety Event and parking ban in the area, meaning the Traffic and Parking By-law will also be enforced.

Residents can report a Nuisance Party or Noise Infraction to the City’s Municipal Enforcement Services at 519-747-8785. For after hours, urgent complaints that are an immediate health and safety concern call 911.