Community partners are working together to end unsanctioned gatherings

Several community partners are working together to ensure that there is an end to the unsafe and unsanctioned street gatherings that have been occurring in the region’s university district for several years. Public Health officials, the City of Waterloo, Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS), and emergency services partners are working together along with Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo to ensure the safety of students and community members.

In 2019, Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services responded to 48 calls for service in the University District during Homecoming. Twenty-seven individuals were transported to hospital with five in serious or critical condition. Although illegal street gatherings are a concern at any time, during a global health crisis, the issues have been further amplified as concerns about the spread of COVID-19 and its variants continue to be top of mind.

Community leaders are reminding the public that breaking sanctions that are in place under the Reopening of Ontario Act can also lead to serious consequences. Anyone who does not respect the provincial restrictions regarding indoor and outdoor gatherings limits could face fines for failing to comply with an order during a declared emergency. Anyone attending an illegal gathering could get a ticket, including those responsible for the property, such as tenants and organizers.

Those identified could also face suspension and/or expulsion from their post-secondary institution.

Over the last month, WRPS and university Special Constables have been working together to increase their security presence in the university district and enforcement action has been ongoing. With Homecoming weekend approaching, partners wish to remind students and alumni of the consequences that could result from illegal gatherings. The following fines and charges have been issued to date:

Enforcement Action
(reporting period of August 24 to September 20)

• City of Waterloo Bylaw:
  • 26 noise charges
  • 11 charges under Reopening Ontario Act
• Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Project Safe Semester:
  • 108 charges under the Liquour Licence Act
  • 91 charges under the Highway Traffic Act
• Laurier Special Constable Service:
  • 57 Provincial Offence Notices
  • 3 Arrests/Apprehensions

Quotes

“Everyone must respect the emergency orders and public health direction on gatherings, as well as local city laws for safe, respectful neighbourhoods. Large street gatherings can be dangerous and put everyone at risk. We’ll be working with our partner agencies to make safety a priority.”

Nicole Papke
Director, Municipal Enforcement Services, City of Waterloo

“We continue to be in the midst of a global pandemic and although we want people to enjoy the Homecoming weekend, we want them to do it safely and responsibly. Gathering together in large groups is not only irresponsible, it is unlawful. Such behavior puts an unreasonable strain on WRPS, on our emergency service partners, and on an already overburdened health care system.”

                                                                                    Chief Bryan Larkin
                                                                               Waterloo Region Police Services

 “Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services is working closely with enforcement partners to encourage all students to celebrate safely at home this year to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the negative impacts of binge drinking, substance misuse, and unsanctioned gatherings. COVID-19 continues to circulate in our community and large gatherings put everyone at risk. Protect yourself and first responders by celebrating at home, in a small group with people you trust.”

Chief Stephen Van Valkenburg
Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services

“Laurier students take great pride in being part of the Waterloo community and most are doing their part to ensure a safe and healthy semester for all. The behaviour of any student who chooses to not follow the mandates around gathering limits will not be tolerated as it is putting the most vulnerable in our community at risk and tarnishing our student and university reputation.”

                                                                                                                        Jason Coolman
                                    VP Advancement & External Relations, Wilfrid Laurier University

“We are reminding our students to do their part in keeping our campus and community safe by heeding the guidance of regional health officials. That means avoiding large gatherings, respecting our communities and the law, and finding safe ways to celebrate an exciting time of year.”

Chris Read
Associate Provost, Students, University of Waterloo

Media Contacts

Cari Van Niekerk, Manager
Corporate Communications
City of Waterloo
519-635-6954 or cari.vanniekerk@waterloo.ca

Cherri Greeno, Manager
Media Relations
Waterloo Regional Police Service
519-650-8500 ext. 8773 or cherri.greeno@wrps.on.ca

Kerri Hutchinson, Supervisor
Health Communications
Region of Waterloo Public Health & Emergency Services
519-501-9374 or kehutchinson@regionofwaterloo.ca

Julie Kalbfleisch, Interim Director
Issues Management
Wilfrid Laurier University
519-778-2088 or jkalbfleisch@wlu.ca

Chris Wilson-Smith, Director
Media Relations
University of Waterloo
519-888-4451 or chris.ws@uwaterloo.ca