City of Waterloo issues over $25K in fines for unsanctioned St. Patrick's Day gatherings

The City of Waterloo's bylaw enforcement responded to 129 complaints and issued 36 fines in relation to unsanctioned street gatherings during the St. Patrick's Day weekend.

According to a news release sent out Tuesday, the fines were issued between 5 p.m. on Mar. 15 and 7 a.m. Mar. 18, totalling $25,200.

Penalties include:

• Nuisance Party ($800) – 16 charges.

• Nuisance Noise ($800) – 7 charges.

• Occupy a Roof ($800) – 2 charges.

• Noise ($400) – 7 charges.

• Public Urination ($400) – 4 charges.

Included in the penalty list were 18 instances where bylaw enforcement had to issue clean-up orders for lots that didn't meet maintenance or property standards. In those cases, owners of the property are given the opportunity to clean up themselves, but if it's not done within the specified time, municipal enforcement will follow up with a fine, and the property will be cleaned up at the owners expense.

In the days leading up to St. Patrick's Day, the City of Waterloo announced that it was granted an injunction order by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice from Friday, March 14 at 12:00 a.m. to Monday, March 17 at 11:59 p.m.

The injunction allowed police to detain, arrest and charge anyone who is participating in unsanctioned street parties in that city.

"We are disappointed that students and others chose to violate the court order, and put themselves and the community at risk," Nicole Papke, Waterloo's director of Municipal Enforcement, said in the release.

"The injunction was a tool we hoped would discourage the dangerous unsanctioned street gathering, and we are thankful there were no significant injuries. We are grateful to municipal enforcement, fire services, Waterloo Regional Police Service and all our community partners for their efforts this weekend."

WATCH | Hundreds of St. Patrick's day party goers took to the streets despite court injunction:

Waterloo's University District was a sea of green for St. Patrick's Day, despite injunction

4 days ago

Duration 0:51

Hundreds of students gathered on Marshall Street on Saturday in Waterloo's University District to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. A court injunction allowing police to detain and arrest anyone attending an unsanctioned street party in that city this weekend didn't stop the gathering. Police would not say if anyone was arrested, but a spokesperson told CBC News they "encourage those planning to celebrate, to do so in smaller gatherings, at licensed establishments, or at home."