Unsanctioned street party and St. Patrick's Day events in Waterloo saw nearly 500 calls to police
Meanwhile, Guelph Police and bylaw say they had a 'slow weekend of St. Patrick's Day festivities'
Regional police say officers responded to almost 500 calls in Waterloo's university district during St. Patrick's Day weekend, resulting in 18 arrests.
Waterloo regional police fenced off Ezra Avenue and closed traffic across the weekend to keep the street empty. But revellers moved the party a street over to Marshall Street.
"It is unfortunate that we continue to see individuals take part in unlawful and unsanctioned gatherings that pose significant safety concerns to the public and to emergency service providers," police Chief Mark Crowell said in a statement.
"I want to extend my thanks to our members and community partners for the significant planning and preparation that led up to this event to ensure the safety and well-being of the community."
Breakdown of charges and tickets
In total, regional police received 497 calls for service laid 19 Criminal Code charges between 8:00 a.m. on March 17 and 3 a.m. on March 19.
Police said the charges include two counts of assault police, obstruct police and mischief under $5,000 after two officers received minor injuries when they responded to a report of property damage on Marshall Street.
Police said a 19-year-old man from Dundas was charged as a result.
Tickets handed out over the weekend were:
- Liquor Licence and Control Act: 92.
- Highway Traffic Act: 96.
- Bylaw infractions: 7.
- Cannabis Control Act: 3.
- Other: 15.
Waterloo bylaw said 30 tickets were issued for noise and public nuisance — 18 for noise, 12 for the unsanctioned street gathering.
As well, there were 64 lot maintenance orders, which asked people to clean things like garbage and furniture off front yards.
There were also 916 parking tickets issued on March 17.
'Slow weekend' in Guelph
Meanwhile, police and bylaw officers in Guelph reported a "slow weekend of St. Patrick's Day festivities."
Police and bylaw had one criminal driving arrest and issued one ticket for loud music.
Bylaw responded to 13 noise complaints on Friday and 10 on Saturday, police said in a release. One resulted in a provincial offence notice for loud music.
Police issued six tickets under the Liquor License Act for having open alcohol in public.
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