After an alleged bomb threat that referred to Ezra Avenue in an online post, countless pleas over social media for students to participate in social distancing, and a letter from president and vice-chancellor, Deb MacLatchy, asking students “to do the right thing” this St. Patrick’s Day, it seems that the infamous Laurier street party may not occur this year.
In 2019, the crowd was up to 33,000 people but numbers on the street today appear to be minimal.
Police officers, security, blockades and emergency vehicles are stationed along Ezra Ave. to restrict people from entering and gathering in groups.
There are yearly attempts made by the city and university to scale back unsanctioned street gatherings, with added measures being put in place this year to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus).
Claims from some residents have surfaced on Twitter stating that they are prohibited from leaving their homes and are being told that they aren’t allowed to play music.
What the fuck is going on on Ezra right now??? I can’t even leave my house to get onto the sidewalk, I’m fenced in everywhere and security is just blankly fucking staring at me while I ask them to open up the gate so I can leave to meet my mom lol
— Spotted At Laurier (@SpottedLaurier) March 17, 2020
on officer came up to our door on ezra to tell us to stop playing music…… my roommate was listening to a portable speaker while in the shower….
— Spotted At Laurier (@SpottedLaurier) March 17, 2020
More information to come.Â
