The Waterloo Region Police Services Board is setting its sights on innovative methods to manage the notorious St. Patrick’s Day street party in Waterloo’s University District. With the annual festivities drawing crowds up to 9,500 at their peak and policing costs soaring to $318,000 primarily due to overtime, the financial strain is palpable. The City of Waterloo is also feeling the pinch, having spent an additional $103,800 on bylaw enforcement, fire safety, and transit services this year.
During a recent board meeting, Chair Ian McLean expressed a recurring frustration, likening the situation to “Groundhog Day.” He voiced significant concerns about the potential for grave accidents, stressing the urgency of finding a resolution. “The inevitable is looming over us—a substantial risk of catastrophic injury or worse. When thousands gather in areas not designed for such events, the outcome could be dire,” McLean remarked.
A vivid example of the scale of these gatherings was captured by police CCTV footage showing a dense crowd at the intersection of Marshall and Regina streets on the afternoon of March 16, 2024.
In response, McLean has called for a coalition of local leaders, including the police chief, the mayor, and university presidents, to brainstorm possible new approaches. “We need to step outside our comfort zone and consider options previously off the table,” he stated. The board unanimously agreed to have this group report their findings and suggestions by September, aiming for implementation before St. Patrick’s Day 2025.
While specifics of the potential strategies remain under wraps, the urgency for change resonates across the board. Other members highlighted the repercussions of redirecting essential services like EMS and police away from other community needs. Chief Mark Crowell labeled the situation as “unsustainable,” both in terms of authorization and finances.
Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe, although acknowledging past efforts and discussions on this issue, expressed a blend of resolve and frustration. “If only I had a magic wand to resolve this,” she lamented to CTV News, “but we must end this perilous gathering.”
As the city braces for another round of extensive discussions, one might wonder if this year’s strategy session will finally yield the magic bullet to ensure safety and reclaim peace. Or will next St. Patrick’s Day be another verse of the same old song? Only time will tell, but the clock is ticking loudly.
