Community partners continue joint effort to end unsanctioned gatherings
Local community partners continue to work together to end the unsafe and unsanctioned street gatherings that have once again been occurring in the region’s university district. The work of Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services, the City of Waterloo, Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS), and emergency services partners, together with Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo to ensure the safety of students and community members has become even more significant with the current challenges local hospitals are facing.
Large street gatherings can be dangerous and put everyone at risk – including those emergency responders and law enforcement officers who are trying to help. There is risk for the community at large when those teams cannot respond to emergency calls. With hospital emergency wait times already a challenge across the province, there is also concern about the potential impact of increased demand on emergency services due to unsanctioned large gatherings during Homecoming weekend.
Over the last month, WRPS, Municipal Enforcement 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 their actions. Those identified could also face suspension and/or expulsion from their post-secondary institution.
The following fines and charges have been issued to date:
Enforcement Action
(reporting period of August 24 to September 18)
- City of Waterloo Bylaw:
- 7 noise charges
- 2 nuisance charges
- Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Project Safe Semester:
- 78 charges under the Liquour Licence Act
- 391 charges under the Highway Traffic Act
Quotes
“Large street gatherings can be dangerous and put everyone at risk. Our health care partners are already feeling the strain, and we’ll be doing our part to support them. We want alumni and students to celebrate safely and responsibly, and to be respectful of their neighbours and our city. 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 a health care crisis, 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.”
John Goodman
Acting Chief, Waterloo Region Police Services
“Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services is working closely with enforcement partners to encourage all students to celebrate safely to reduce the negative impacts of binge drinking, substance misuse, and unsanctioned gatherings. Protect yourself and first responders by celebrating at home or in a small group with people you trust.”
James Topham
Acting Chief, Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services
“It has been great to have our students return to our campuses. I have seen them out fundraising for Shinerama, running community workshops, and volunteering at events across the city. I can tell they missed the in-person experience as well. As Homecoming approaches, we are reminding students of the positive impact they can have and asking them to keep their community top of mind, to be respectful and look out for one another and our neighbours, as we celebrate all that makes us proud of being a Golden Hawk.”
Ivan Joseph
Vice-President Student Affairs, 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 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
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Media contacts
Carleen Carroll
Assistant Vice President, External Relations
Wilfrid Laurier University
ccarroll@wlu.ca
Cherri Greeno
Manager, Media Relations
Waterloo Regional Police Service
cherri.greeno@wrps.on.ca
Nick Manning
Associate Vice-President, Communication
University of Waterloo
nick.manning@uwaterloo.ca
Sharon Ord
Manager, Health Communications & Community Engagement
Region of Waterloo Public Health & Emergency Services
sord@regionofwaterloo.ca
Cari Van Niekerk
Manager, Corporate Communications
City of Waterloo
cari.vanniekerk@waterloo.ca