Laurier president to students: 'Do your part for the greater good' and don't go to Ezra

Wilfrid Laurier University president Deb MacLatchy has written an open letter to students on the eve of St. Patrick's Day urging them not to attend the annual unsanctioned street gathering that happens on Ezra Avenue in Waterloo.

MacLatchy's letter joins other local leaders including Waterloo Mayor Dave Jaworsky, police Chief Bryan Larkin and the region's acting medical officer of health Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang in calling on students to not attend the event in light of COVID-19.

"This is not a joke. This is real," MacLatchy wrote.

"As young adults, it's true that you are least likely to become seriously ill from COVID-19. But you can easily transmit this virus to others who aren't as strong as you — small children, grandparents, and those both young and old who have underlying health difficulties and compromised immune systems," she wrote.

Weekend parties

The request also comes after groups of young people gathered on the weekend to celebrate St. Patrick's Day early. A party late in the afternoon on Saturday was held in the Hawthorn Street area of Waterloo and was broken up by police. 

Const. Ashley Dietrich with the Waterloo Regional Police Service said there were "some pre-St. Patrick's Day festivities and gathering in backyards" around the universities.

"The largest gathering was a couple hundred youth partying in the backyard," she said. "No arrests were made; however, officers observed some liquor infractions."

She said police are reminding students to stay home on Tuesday.

"One day isn't worth the risk of spreading COVID-19," she said.

'What it really means to be a Golden Hawk'

On Monday, Dr. Wang said she's heard from young people who said they won't attend the party.

"I would like to applaud them," Wang said. "I am heartened to hear from more and more of our young people, letting us know that they also want to protect our community and especially our most vulnerable."

On Friday, Jaworksy urged students to focus on their studies.

"The gathering is illegal and dangerous. It poses significant health risks and the spread of COVID-19 is a very real concern," he said.

In a press conference on Friday, police Chief Bryan Larkin said it's not worth the risk for one day of drinking.

MacLatchy's letter said Laurier and its students place a value on community and personal leadership.

"I urge you to tell your friends and others not to come to our community on St. Patrick's Day and not to participate in any large group celebrations — be they unsanctioned street gatherings or any other large event," she said.

"This is a time for you to shine as members of the Laurier community — to show yourselves and the world what it really means to be a Golden Hawk."