Officials working to end 'unsafe and unsanctioned' gatherings in Waterloo's University District
Officials in Waterloo, along with police, public health and emergency services, are working together to try to "ensure that there is an end to the unsafe and unsanctioned street gatherings" in the University District.
In a Wednesday news release, officials said they're also working closely with Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo.
In 2019, paramedics responded to 48 calls for service over Homecoming weekend. The news release said 27 people were hospitalized that year, five of whom were in serious or critical condition.
"Although illegal street gatherings are a concern at any time, during a global health crisis, the issues have been further amplified as concerns about the spread of COVID-19 and its variants continue to be top of mind," the release said.
“Everyone must respect the emergency orders and public health direction on gatherings, as well as local city laws for safe, respectful neighbourhoods. Large street gatherings can be dangerous and put everyone at risk. We’ll be working with our partner agencies to make safety a priority," said Nicole Papke, director of municipal enforcement services with the city, in the news release.
The release said breaking measures in place under the Reopening Ontario Act could result in tickets and fines. Students could also be suspended or expelled from their post-secondary institution.
Police and special constables have responded to multiple gatherings in the university area since the school year began.
“We continue to be in the midst of a global pandemic and although we want people to enjoy the Homecoming weekend, we want them to do it safely and responsibly. Gathering together in large groups is not only irresponsible, it is unlawful. Such behavior puts an unreasonable strain on WRPS, on our emergency service partners, and on an already overburdened health care system," Chief Bryan Larkin said in the release.
Here are the enforcement actions between Aug. 24 and Sept. 20:
City of Waterloo Bylaw:
- 26 noise charges
- 11 charges under Reopening Ontario Act
Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Project Safe Semester:
- 108 charges under the Liquour Licence Act
- 91 charges under the Highway Traffic Act
Laurier Special Constable Service:
- 57 provincial offense notices
- 3 arrests/apprehensions
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
BREAKING Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
On federal budget, Macklem says 'fiscal track has not changed significantly'
Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says Canada's fiscal position has 'not changed significantly' following the release of the federal government's budget.