Celebrations across the St. Patrickโs Day weekend this year followed the City of Waterlooโs court injunction allowing the police to arrest or detain anyone attending, hosting or creating unsanctioned street parties. The injunction also includes those who violate the city’s nuisance bylaw in the university district. The injunction order lasted from midnight on March 14 until 11:59 p.m. on March 17.
Historically, Wilfrid Laurier University students have made St. Patrick’s Day their unofficial school holiday, with large gatherings, especially on Ezra Avenue, leading to issues like public drunkenness and noise complaints. To prevent the escalation of bad behaviour within and outside campus areas, Laurier responded by banning St. Patrick’s Day merchandise at the campus bookstore, turning away vendors selling St. Patrick’s Day items and increasing police presence within the Laurier area.
During the St. Patrick’s Day weekend, Waterloo regional police arrested 17 people and laid 250 charges related to the celebrations over several days. Municipal enforcement received 129 complaint calls from 5 p.m. on March 15 to 7 a.m. on March 18. These calls included the large street party on Saturday in the Marshall Street and Regina Street area. A total of 36 charges were issued, 25 of which carried an $800 fine. Orders were issued relating to maintenance/property stand complaints, with 18 cleanups required.
Nicole Papke, Waterloo’s director of municipal enforcement, wrote in a press release that she is disappointed that students violated the court order and put themselves and the community at risk.
โThe injunction was a tool we hoped would discourage the dangerous unsanctioned streets gathering, and we are thankful there were no significant injuries. We are grateful to municipal, enforcement, fire services, Waterloo Region Police Service and all of our community partners for their efforts this weekend,โ the press release said. ๏ฟผ
Many students gathered in the university district on March 15 despite the court injunction, hosting house parties or drinking alcohol. By March 17, there were little to no signs of celebration.
While participation in street celebrations declined, some Laurier students celebrated at bars and clubs in Uptown Waterloo, including McCabeโs Irish Bar and Grill. The restaurantcelebrated the holiday with performers Mighty Kin and David OโHollaran, who were performing for the afternoon.
“We’re an Irish pub, so we host this event every year to celebrate our Irish-inspired heritage,” said Lea Miller, the manager of McCabe. “The Irish culture is very alive in the city of Waterloo.”
The pub has hosted its St. Patrick’s Day event for many years, providing an opportunity for students and Waterloo locals to celebrate St. Patrickโs Day without violating the injunctions.
The event started at 5 p.m., and many people roamed the bar, conversing, dancing or singing with the performers while enjoying refreshments such as a green St. Patrick’s Day beer.
Decorations, food and patrons dressed in green contributed to a lively atmosphere, with guests enjoying drinks and socializing.
“I enjoy having a nice cold beer, and St. Patrick’s Day is perfect for that,” said Marvin, a customer visiting McCabe. “I love the atmosphere and getting together with various people.”
Despite being unable to host street parties due to the court injunction imposed by the City of Waterloo, students celebrated the St. Patrick’s Day festivities at local pubs and clubs, where they could socialize, drink alcohol and dress in green while causing less disruption in local neighbourhoods.
Sangjun Han/News Director
