Students encouraged to 'celebrate responsibly' this St. Patrick's Day in Waterloo

Ezra Avenue's infamous St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Waterloo have been pretty tame over the last two pandemic years.

In the past, tens of thousands of people descended on the street for an unsanctioned party that put regional police, city and university officials on high alert, and put a strain on both staff and financial resources. Few people showed up in 2020 and 2021 during lockdowns, a quietness encouraged and celebrated by authorities. 

But, with many COVID-19 restrictions lifting this year, will the crowds make a comeback?

Just this month, the province lifted all capacity limits on indoor and outdoor gatherings, and establishments such as bars are not mandated to require proof of vaccination. And unlike in 2020, this year's St. Patrick's Day does not coincide with a province-wide state of emergency. 

Regional police, City of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University officials would not make any official comment about what to expect Thursday, but did say they're prepared for any occurence. 

Meanwhile, a University of Waterloo representative sent a memo to students on Wednesday reminding them to celebrate responsibly and make alterative plans. 

"Street parties are dangerous. They can get out of hand and have previously resulted in students drinking too much, overdoses, assaults and general feelings of insecurity," said Associate Provost, Students Chris Read, in the note.

"Choose your actions carefully and with an understanding of what it means to be a respectful community member. Celebrate responsibly."

Smaller crowd, alternate plans expected 

There will likely be more students out on Ezra Avenue this year as a result of restrictions lifting, but it won't look like the pre-pandemic crowds, anticipates Stephanie Ye-Mowe, Vice President Education with the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association.

"I think people are definitely tired of the pandemic, especially those in first or second year. They haven't had their proms, they haven't had their orientation. Here's a big — sort of like — cultural event ... so I can see the appeal of wanting to go," she said.

"But I do think that a lot of the measures that have been taken over the past couple of years to really crack down on unsanctioned gatherings within Waterloo ... has had an impact on people's sort of willingness to go out to Ezra," she said, referring to the increased police presence and temporary added fencing.

Ye-Mowe said many people who previously attended unsanctioned street events may stay indoors with friends or gather at a bar.

"What I expect is a lot of students to poke around to see what's really happening there. And if they go there and there's hardly anyone or there's a lot of fencing, they'll change their plans," she said. At the same time, she said, there are also many people who are still uncomfortable with going out and socializing at all during a pandemic. 

Ye-Mowe said the student union has helped distribute safety messaging to students about how to celebrate responsibly,  reach out for help and emphasized the importance of consent. 

"I would like to put my my faith in the university communities that are here and genuinely believe that they'll be mindful of how their actions will impact others," said Ye-Mowe.

Guelph events

Meanwhile, a spokesperson with the University of Guelph said the school is working to promote safe and respectful behaviour from students.

"We have various initiatives in place aimed at discouraging large gatherings by increasing awareness, including … enhanced enforcement efforts by university and service partners," a spokesperson said, noting events will also be monitored over the coming weekend. 

A committee made up of officials from the university's campus safety office, Guelph police service, Guelph Transit and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario have met regularly to plan for St. Patrick's Day oversight. 

Macdonell and Wyndham streets in the downtown Guelph will be closed on Thursday from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. in anticipation of celebrations.