Waterloo Regional Police Send Letter to Parents of High School Students - Encourages Them to Avoid Unlicensed St. Patrick's Day Street Gathering

March 7, 2018

To whom it may concern,

As you are aware, March 17^th is St. Patrick’s Day, a day that sees many University-aged students participate in an annual, although unlicensed, street gathering in Waterloo.

Last year saw up to 15,000 people descend on Ezra Street and surrounding areas in Waterloo, resulting in safety concerns for all, including students, residents and emergency service workers. Several alcohol-related incidents were dealt with throughout the day.

In order to maintain the safety of the community, and to ensure proper enforcement, Waterloo Regional Police will have an increased presence in the area this year, including assistance from members of the Peel Regional Police Service.

We want to be clear, the Waterloo Regional Police Service does NOT encourage or condone this unlicensed gathering. We will be working closely with our community partners, including Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo Fire Rescue, Region of Waterloo Paramedics and City of Waterloo Municipal Enforcement, to ensure the safety of those in attendance, as well as neighbours and the community in general.

Officers patrolling on foot, in cruisers and on bicycles, will also be out ensuring appropriate infractions are given to those who decide to break the law. This includes substantial fines for underage drinking, public intoxication and the consumption of alcohol in public.

We want to take this opportunity to strongly encourage parents and school staff to talk to students on the dangers of alcohol consumption and on the importance of NOT attending this unlicensed gathering. Underage drinking can result in a $125 fine, as well as many health and safety concerns. The best way to avoid this, is to avoid the area.

If you have any questions or concerns, or would like more information, please do not hesitate to call the Waterloo Regional Police Service at 519-570-9777.

Respectfully,

The Waterloo Regional Police Service