Waterloo regional police say they’re 'pleased' following homecoming weekend
The Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) says they are pleased the majority of people who celebrated homecoming over the weekend did so safely and responsibly.
While WRPS has not yet released numbers for homecoming in Waterloo this year, police said in an email to CTV News on Monday they had 'a significant operational plan with committed resources and increased visibility in the university district.'
Last year regional police made 11 arrests, laid 183 charges and had 298 calls for service in a 22-hour window during homecoming weekend.
This year a portion of Ezra Avenue was blocked off with fencing as a precaution, where large crowds of students gathered in previous years for unsanctioned parties.
Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe released an open letter to the community ahead of homecoming celebrations asking people to celebrate responsibly.
“Large street gatherings can be dangerous and put everyone at risk," she said in the letter.
A group of students chat with a police officer during homecoming weekend 2023 in Waterloo. (Hannah Schmidt/CTV News)
McCabe also noted local emergency rooms and hospitals are already at capacity and asked people to not add stress.
That reminder comes after city councillors in Waterloo voted to tighten rules around unsanctioned street parties earlier this month.
Meanwhile in Guelph, police reported large crowds but "no major incidents" during homecoming celebrations in that city.
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