How Waterloo Regional Police have been preparing for St. Patrick's Day
Police said they are taking a firmer approach when it comes to liquor licence violations
Waterloo Regional Police Services (WRPS) have taken extra steps this year in preparation for the massive St. Patrick's Day yearly party.
This year's event saw more than 15,000 people flood the streets of King Street and Ezra Avenue in Waterloo, the biggest crowd police have seen attend.
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The celebration fell on a Saturday, which brought other challenges.
Police started planning and preparing for this St. Patrick's Day weekend since last year's event by assigning three full times officers to work on this year's response.
"We felt we needed to take a different approach," WRPS Chief, Bryan Larkin told CBC's The Morning Edition.
"I'm not naive to think that there's not going to be a St. Patrick's Day celebration. It's about scaling back and it's about responsible drinking."
This year during the doorknocker campaign on March 7, police, along with the Waterloo Fire Department, paramedics and university student leaders, emphasised strongly on public safety and respect.
Tomorrow is <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StPatricksDay?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StPatricksDay</a> We want you to enjoy yourself, but we want you to stay safe while doing so. To ensure your safety, please avoid unlawful street events. Instead, gather in your home or a licensed establishment. Let's all <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeSmart?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeSmart</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StaySafe?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StaySafe</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeRespectful?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeRespectful</a>. <a href="https://t.co/dPxbBzScmj">pic.twitter.com/dPxbBzScmj</a>
—@WRPSToday"This isn't about dampening the fund spirit of St. Patrick's Day," said Larkin. "It's about doing it smart, respectful, safe, in a licensed establishment. The unsanctioned street parties, it creates a number of different challenges for us."
One of the biggest issues last year was around street crowding. Police, fire department and emergency crews had a hard time getting through the large crowd.
Larkin said police had to move people so that emergency crews could get to them and assist.
This year, WRPS also reached out to Peel Regional Police (PRP) to assist in this year's festivities.
"Our policing resources are stretched to the max," Larkin said. "We no longer have the capacity to provide a safe atmosphere or safe environment."
Larkin said police will also be taking a firmer approach when it comes to liquor licence violations.
City of Waterloo bylaw officers have been given more power to crack down on street parties this year.
Bylaw officers have the power to fine individuals for limiting the normal use of city sidewalks and roads, and charge fees in regards to cleanup and having staff deal with unsanctioned events.