Waterloo granted injunction to help prevent unsanctioned street parties during St. Patrick's Day weekend
Order will take effect from Friday, March 14 to Monday, March 17
The City of Waterloo has been granted a court injunction that aims at helping police break up "dangerous unsanctioned street gatherings" during the weekend leading up to St. Patrick's Day, a release sent out by the city said on Monday.
"This injunction is an additional tool to help us prevent and address dangerous unsanctioned street gatherings in Waterloo," said Nicole Papke, Waterloo's director of municipal enforcement.
St. Patrick's Day in the university district of Waterloo typically sees street parties with thousands of students attending, which often raises security concerns for police.
The injunction order granted to the city by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice will be in effect from Friday, March 14 at 12:00 a.m. to Monday, March 17 at 11:59 p.m.
"Anyone attending, hosting, creating, sponsoring, or permitting a Nuisance Party, unsanctioned street gathering, or otherwise violating s. 2.1 of the City's Nuisance By-law in the University District area could be arrested, detained and held in custody by the police, and charged with disobeying an order of court," the release said.
The university district area includes the Northdale and MacGregor neighbourhoods, the southern portion of the Sugarbush neighbourhood, and a majority of the Uptown neighbourhood. It also includes Waterloo Park.
Police will be increasing the number of officers in the area.
"We want people to enjoy St. Patrick's Day in a safe and respectful manner that does not cause harm to themselves or others," Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) Chief Mark Crowell said in the release, adding people should celebrate in a "licensed, legal establishment."