Ezra street party costs 'better spent on other things,' mayor says

Despite efforts from police, public officials and the universities to curb this year's unsanctioned St. Patrick's Day street party on Ezra Avenue, students who live in the area say they're still participating in the much-anticipated event. 

"Every year they try to say something to scare the students, I don't think it's really a big deal," said a third year student. 

"I'm just looking forward to partying on the street and seeing everyone," he said. 

"We have to be mindful of other people too, because there are a lot of residential people that are here, especially older couples, so we just have to really be mindful ... if we're going to party, be respectful of those around you of course," another said. 

Expensive public cost 

Last year the event drew more than 22,000 people. Public expenses attributed to the event were $713,500 – nearly half of the cost went towards policing. 

Dave Jaworsky, the mayor of Waterloo, says the costs to deal with the party could "be better spent on other things, such as homelessness and affordable housing." 

"The unsanctioned public gatherings... I think about it 52 weeks a year, certainly on a weekly basis, if not more often, it's something we really want to deal with because the safety issue is really paramount for everyone," he said. 

Wilfrid Laurier University, the University of Waterloo, the City of Waterloo and the region's paramedic and police services have issued a joint public statement " to encourage safe and responsible behaviour" on March 17. 

"We recognize however, that people do congregate that day, so student and neighbourhood safety remains the top priority for city and police officials and academic institutions," the statement says. 

'Not an issue' for King St. business  

Glenn Smith, owner of Ethel's Lounge, a bar located approximately three blocks away on King St., says the party is usually "not an issue" for his business or others in uptown Waterloo.

"They pretty well stay to their own on Ezra Street. [Officials] attempt to contain them there which is good, it isn't a problem," Smith said. 

"It's probably very frustrating for the universities and the police services that they're not in charge. They can't control this thing. This is an animal taken off on its own," he said. 

CBC Kitchener-Waterloo requested an interview with Waterloo Regional Police Service about how they plan to handle the event this year, but police declined to comment until Thursday afternoon.