'Everyone was out': Homecoming returns in full force to Waterloo region
On the morning after homecoming weekend in Waterloo’s university district, a group of environmentalists called the EcoHawks walked around picking up garbage left over from parties in the area.
Every year the student union committee from Wilfrid Laurier University tries to pick up garbage after events like Homecoming and St. Patrick’s Day. This time, the aftermath seemed a little cleaner to the group.
“It’s pretty good so far. We had a lot more last year. So, it’s pretty downsized,” Elizabeth Goguen, a member of the EcoHawks said.
On Ezra Street, the fences that were put up to keep partying off the road, were being removed on Sunday. A resident on the street said the fencing, along with a heavy police presence, helped keep things in control. But people just partied on other streets instead.
“There wasn’t a lot of people on Ezra, which I was kind of surprised about. But, there was a lot of people on Albert. Living on Ezra, there was cops everywhere. It was hard to sleep with everything going on,” Kalessy Keys, who lives on Ezra Street said.
A city worker removing the fencing around Ezra Street in Waterloo. Sep 25, 2022. (Colton Wiens/CTV News Kitchener)
According to some who spent Saturday night in the university district, partying still found its way to the road.
“At night especially. In the day, it was more like partying in people's backyards,” Alyssa Henry said.
“Just the street parties. Everyone was out. It was a good environment. I just had a good time,” Nathan Khan said.
Waterloo Regional Police have not released any information related to partying on Saturday night. Police did report handing out alcohol-related charges and noise and nuisance bylaw infractions on Saturday afternoon.
“We won't have any stats or anything to release until Tuesday,” Cherri Greeno, a spokesperson for the Waterloo Regional Police Service, said in an email.
In Guelph, an unsanctioned gathering took place on Chancellors Way.
Videos posted to social media show people climbing trees and a fire in the street.
Guelph police did not immedietly respond to requests for comment.
The University of Guelph posted on social media Saturday night about the gathering.
The university issued a statement on its website on Sunday saying: "The University is disappointed with the large, unsanctioned, and illegal gathering on Chancellor’s Way, including the behaviour that was displayed by many in attendance"
“U of G takes pride in the relationship we have with our local community,” said U of G President Charlotte Yates in a media release on Sunday. “We are grateful to Guelph Police, Guelph Fire, paramedics, the hospital and our Campus Safety Office for their hard work and commitment.”
The university said it will will continue to work collaboratively with its students, the City of Guelph, first responders, neighbourhood associations and other key community partners to address the serious concerns associated with large, unsanctioned and illegal gatherings.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.