‘It’s the culture’: Crowds grow during St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Waterloo’s university district

Sunshine and St. Patrick's Day spirit brought crowds to Waterloo's university district. CTV's Spencer Turcotte hit the streets and spoke with some revelers.

It was a relatively quiet start to the St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Waterloo’s university district, an area that in past years has drawn thousands of students to unsanctioned street parties.

Fencing went up once again along Ezra Avenue — a familiar sight in the city.

Police also prepared for large gatherings tied to the holiday.

“We’ll be active on our socials for any updates regarding safety messages and any regional updates,” said Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) spokesperson Chris Iden in an email statement to CTV News. “Our messaging remains the same in asking people taking part in the festivities to be safe and respectful. There will be an increase in police and municipal bylaw in the university area to ensure the safety of the public.”

In previous years, Ezra Avenue and nearby Marshall Street have become the centre of celebrations, with crowds of revelers spilling onto the roads in what police have described as unsanctioned street parties.

But activity in the area appeared calm at the start of the weekend.

“Yeah, it’s a little empty,” said Lucas Sasvari, a visitor from out of town. “I don’t know what’s really going on, but it’ll fill up later in the night. Kids always come.”

Sasvari said he and his friends planned to spend time at a private gathering before potentially heading out later.

“We’re going to go drink at my buddy’s place and wait until the people start coming out and go drink on the street and then go drink somewhere else,” he said.

Some people even asked CTV News where the party was at.

“I don’t see so many people outside,” one partygoer said. “What are you guys saying? Are you guys having a good time?”

Visitors said they expected plenty of gatherings to take place.

“If they get rid of one road, they’re just going to party on another road,” said Zachary McGugan, who was also visiting from out of town. “That’s the only thing, I guarantee you. I know some people are thinking about not going out because the cold, but I think the party is still going to go on.”

By later Saturday afternoon, the scene had started to shift. Hundreds of partygoers could be seen in uptown Waterloo, taking advantage of the sunshine at local businesses offering outdoor space for revelers.

“The motive? I’m saying, hit the street party, after that like around four or five, find a house party,” one group of partygoers said. “I’m trying to indulge right now, you know what I’m saying? It’s the vibe; it’s kind of a party school. It’s the culture.”

Crowds also grew along Marshall and Regina Streets, where groups of people gathered, dressed head-to-toe in green.

“Just have fun. It’s St. Paddy’s. Laurier is known for it. You’re only in your 20’s once,” said one partygoer.

A heavy police presence could be seen monitoring the area. As part of WRPS’ planned safety operations, a tactical officer was also positioned at a high vantage point overlooking the crowd.

“The officer shown in the video is part of our overall safety plan for the event,” Iden explained.

The City of Waterloo declared a Community Safety Event earlier this week as part of its planning for potential gatherings. The designation allows the city to impose measures such as parking bans to help manage crowds and give police and bylaw officers room to respond if needed.

Street parking has been banned throughout the university district from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Saturday, as well as on St. Patrick’s Day itself on March 17.

City officials said the goal is to discourage large street parties and reduce safety risks for residents, students and emergency responders.

Officials are also reminding people the city’s nuisance bylaw remains in effect. The bylaw prohibits people from blocking sidewalks or roadways and allows police and bylaw officers to order crowds to disperse.

Fines for violations range from $400 to $800 for a first offence and can increase for repeat violations.

Last year, police estimated roughly 20,000 people gathered at the peak of the unsanctioned celebrations on Marshall Street despite enforcement measures in place at the time.