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Here's what St. Patrick's Day looked like at Waterloo's biggest unsanctioned street party

Thousands of party-goers took to Ezra Avenue in Waterloo to celebrate St. Patrick's Day on Sunday. CBC Kitchener-Waterloo was there to capture the scene as the unsanctioned party grew throughout the afternoon.
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The unsanctioned street party draws thousand to Ezra Avenue every St. Patrick's Day. (Joe Pavia/CBC)

Thousands of party-goers took to Ezra Avenue in Waterloo to celebrate St. Patrick's Day on Sunday.

CBC Kitchener-Waterloo was there to capture the scene as the unsanctioned party grew throughout the afternoon.

Waterloo Regional Police had an increased presence in the area due to the expected crowds. 

Earlier in the morning, barricades were set up at Bricker Avenue and Clayfield Avenue. Some students also started to gather on porches and in front yards, dressed in green. 

Waterloo Regional Police set up barriers and began patrolling the area around Ezra Avenue Sunday morning. Const. Ashley Dietrich said police have had to adopt a "stricter approach" as the unsanctioned St. Patrick's party has grown over the years. (Joe Pavia/CBC)
The landlord of one student house on Ezra Avenue set up a fence along the property. "I’m guessing it’s because the landlord wants to keep as many people who don’t live here out," student Stefano Sestito said. "So just probably avoid destruction of property or whatnot, so stuff doesn’t become too rowdy." (Joe Pavia/CBC)
Mandy Dekoning (left) and Shantelle Matos are members of a community outreach team with Slate Church in Waterloo. They brought 13,000 water bottles and 10,000 Timbits to hand out to students gathering on Ezra Avenue for St. Patrick's Day. (Joe Pavia/CBC)

As the crowd grew, police shut down Ezra Avenue and Bricker Avenue due to concerns for public safety.

The crowd was estimated to be as large as or even larger than in 2018, which saw more than 20,000 people gather on Ezra Avenue.

Police planned to maintain a presence in the area throughout the night and into the early morning, to manage the crowd, ensure public safety and enforce any laws.

A final tally of calls for service, fines and charges is expected in the coming days.

A police officer poses for a photo with a group of students on Ezra Avenue, during the St. Patrick's Day street party. (Joe Pavia/CBC)
Crowds of students pack the corners of Ezra Avenue as Waterloo Regional Police officers watch for St. Patrick's Day on March 17, 2019
Students and party-goers fill Ezra Avenue on March 17, 2019 for St. Patrick's Day. (Joe Pavia/CBC)

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