On March 17, 2023, Waterloo Regional Police Service, alongside our community partners, were deployed to the University District in Waterloo in relation to an unsanctioned St. Patrick’s Day gathering.
Preliminary results indicate that between 8 a.m. on March 17 and 3 a.m. on March 19, WRPS members responded to almost 500 incidents, resulting in over 200 charges, and 18 arrests in connection to the St. Patrick’s Day gathering.
|
Statute |
WRPS Charges |
|
Liquor Licence and Control Act |
92 |
|
Highway Traffic Act |
96 |
|
Criminal Code/CDSA |
19 |
|
Bylaw |
7 |
|
Trespass to Property Act |
- |
|
Cannabis Control Act |
3 |
|
Other |
15 |
|
Total Charges |
232 |
|
Total Arrests |
18 |
|
Total Calls for Service |
497 |
The Criminal Code charges included assault police (two counts), obstruct police, and mischief under $5,000 after two officers sustained minor injuries when they responded to a report of property damage on Marshall Street. A 19-year-old male from Dundas was charged in connection to the incident.
“It is unfortunate that we continue to see individuals take part in unlawful and unsanctioned gatherings that pose significant safety concerns to the public and to emergency service providers,” said Mark Crowell, Chief of Police. “I want to extend my thanks to our members and community partners for the significant planning and preparation that led up to this event to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.”
The Waterloo Regional Police Service would like to thank all community partners who worked together to ensure public safety during this unlawful event. This includes the City of Waterloo, Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services, Waterloo Fire Rescue Service, Wilfrid Laurier University, Wilfrid Laurier University Student’s Union, University of Waterloo, and the University of Waterloo Federation of Students.
