Waterloo, Ont. has taken legal action to dissuade large unsanctioned St. Patrick’s Day street parties, but some students say that won’t stop them from celebrating.
On Monday, the city was granted a court injunction for any potential gatherings. It would allow for tougher consequences, like arrests and charges, for any party deemed to be a nuisance. The court injunction began Friday morning and will remain in place until Monday night.
Students aren’t convinced the new rules will stop partiers.
“I like what the city is doing, to be honest, keeping everybody safe,” said university student Shan Bhogal. “But unfortunately, right now, the vibe is they can’t stop us all.”
Many think the court injunction goes too far.
“It’s the one day that they should be letting students have fun, like it’s the one day we ask for,” said university student Isabella Chiaramida. “I just don’t think this is necessary.”
The biggest unsanctioned street party happened in 2019 when an estimated 33,000 people gathered on Ezra Avenue.
The city has tried different tactics to address overcrowding and bad behaviour, such as installing closed circuit cameras around the university district in 2024.
Another one is temporary fencing and concrete blocks, which the city said were put in place Friday morning to keep the gates closed and shouldn’t impede emergency vehicle access.
“It’s sad to see because this is our biggest weekend of the year here at [Wilfrid Laurier University],” said student Emily Smith.
The Waterloo Regional Police Service said, as the party has grown over the year, so too have the risks.
“We’re asking for cooperation,” explained Jen Davis, the deputy chief for Waterloo Regional Police. “We are trying to deter this for the sake of public safety because of the risks and the strain that it puts on our emergency service providers.”
The judge cited safety and rising costs as some of the main factors for granting the injunction.
“This is no laughing matter. It is not harmless frivolity,” Justice Michael Gibson wrote in his decision.
He also cited the risk to partiers and other members of the community who might need emergency services during the party.
“Charter rights are not absolute or unqualified,” Justice Gibson continued. “The charter does not give any person the legal right to unlawfully trample on the legal rights of others, to threaten public safety or to disregard lawful municipal enactments.”
He said that, contrary to the notorious Beastie Boys song, there is no “Right to Party.”
Waterloo Regional Police are also reminding the public that being criminally charged and convicted comes with consequences, like the impact a record could have when applying for jobs.
Deputy Chief Jen Davis said the goal of the injunction is to stop the street party before it even begins.
“It is a measures response that will be taken,” she told CTV News. “For someone to get to the point of being charged, they have been given education and warnings and served a notice of a ticket already.”
Students in Guelph, Ont., who admitted to partying in Waterloo in the past, said they don’t plan on going there this year.
“Me and a bunch of my boys were planning to go to Laurier as well, but that’s kind of fell through because none of us want to get fined,” said Max McMahon.
The University of Guelph has notified its students about the court injunction in Waterloo and are urging students to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a way that complies with bylaws.
The Guelph Police Service has also warned students that patrols will be stepped over the weekend in neighbourhoods surrounding the university.
Some online videos have speculated that Waterloo partiers will instead head over to Guelph.
“Who knows,” said Will Halloran, a U of G student. “I feel like it’s one of those situations you’ve got to play by ear.”
In the meantime, students in Waterloo are preparing for the big day.
“We do try to party safely, within limits, and we try to keep it to places [where] most people will not get hurt,” said Bhogal. “Keep it in an open street, try not to climb on anything and it should be safe.”
“We are so partying this weekend – responsibly of course and safely – but they can’t stop us,” insisted university student Emily Smith.
Waterloo Regional Police, meanwhile, are encouraging students to ditch the streets for a licensed and legal establishment.
