Thank you from Mayor Jaworsky to Waterloo students

Dear Students:

Uptown Waterloo and the University District were alive with people enjoying Wilfrid Laurier University’s annual Homecoming weekend.

Despite a rocky start during orientation week with several gatherings and incidents, we saw improvement during Homecoming. Leaders from across the community asked students to socialize and celebrate responsibly and we saw positive progress.

People socialized and celebrated in their homes, in their backyards and even local restaurants and pubs and for that I thank everyone. A few years ago I struck a task force, consisting of interested community partners to address how we could work collaboratively to stop the dangerous large and unsanctioned street gatherings that have plagued our city.

Recommendations were made and we’ve converted them into action, particularly around coordinated communications, operations and advocacy. We still have more work to do as we have still seen large gatherings during orientation week and St. Patrick’s Day, but we’re getting there and with your continued support, I’m hopeful and confident that people will mark special events safely and responsibly. Waterloo is once again showing what’s possible and providing a positive example for other communities across the province.

I also want to thank the many emergency services responders who worked and contributed to a positive experience, notably members of Waterloo Regional Police Service, the City’s Municipal Enforcement team, Waterloo Fire Rescue, regional Paramedics, public health officials and staff and school leaders at WLU.

As always, be smart, stay safe and continued success in your studies.

Respectfully,

Mayor Dave Jaworsky
City of Waterloo