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
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
'I killed four people': Trial hears video evidence of Jeremy Skibicki at Winnipeg trial
“I killed four people,” alleged serial killer Jeremy Skibicki told two homicide detectives during a recorded interview played as evidence in his trial Wednesday.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.