Despite court injunction, hundreds of students gathered in Waterloo on St. Patrick’s Day weekend
St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Waterloo continued despite a court-ordered injunction that could have led to the detainment and arrest of party-goers. The City of Waterloo had obtained an injunction from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, granting police the authority to detain, arrest, and charge individuals participating in unsanctioned street parties over the weekend.
Traditionally, St. Patrick’s Day sees thousands of students flock to the University District of Waterloo to celebrate with drinks and revelry. However, the court order elicited mixed reactions from both students and local residents. Instead of receiving tickets, party-goers now faced the possibility of criminal charges if caught engaging in illegal activities in violation of the injunction.
Despite the risks, hundreds – possibly thousands – of students gathered on the streets of Waterloo on Saturday afternoon to partake in the celebrations. As the evening approached, the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) urged the public to steer clear of Marshall Street and Regina Street North as they attempted to disperse the crowds.
Melissa Quarrie, a spokesperson for WRPS, stated that they were closely monitoring the situation and advised celebrants to opt for smaller gatherings, licensed establishments, or celebrations at home. WRPS refrained from providing official estimates of the crowd size or a detailed summary of events until after the celebrations had concluded.
The influx of green-clad students on the streets prompted an increased police presence in the area, with the WRPS Public Order Unit working to maintain order and ensure public safety. Despite the potential consequences outlined in the injunction, many students seemed undeterred, choosing to continue their St. Patrick’s Day revelry in Waterloo.
