Door-to-door campaign spreads safety message ahead of St. Patrick’s Day

Officials say you don’t have to fight for your right to party next Saturday.

But if you are pouring back the green beer — or any other alcoholic beverage for that matter — do it responsibly and in accordance with the law.

Or else your Sunday morning hangover will include dealing with a hefty fine.

Waterloo city council updated their property standards and public nuisance by-laws this week to allow officials to hand out fines if people aren’t cooperating.

Waterloo Regional Police, by-law officers, city officials and university representatives went door-to-door Wednesday night to double down on that message.

“Our responsibility to the student organization is to make sure we’re doing our due diligence to inform students of the new approach, so they’re aware of it proactively and ahead of time, so they (don’t hear of this for the first time on March 17th),” says Wilfrid Laurier University Students Union President and CEO Kanwar Brar.

He says the biggest message is that party patrons need to be smart, safe and respectful.

“In a community, students are an integral part, but there are also other functions of a community in Waterloo,” he said, “And it’s really important to be acknowledging that you’re respecting property or respecting those who are working very hard to ensure everyone is safe.”

Brar adds the campaign is nothing new either, noting they also do this at the beginning of the school year.

“This doorknocker campaign isn’t only focused on St. Patrick’s Day,” he tells 570 NEWS, “Our approach has been that we want to be able to connect with students at any time of the year so we try to do that at least twice and this is a good example of us reaching out and engaging with our community.”

You can expect a large police and by-law presence that night. Regional Police Constable Reid Pridham says it’s business as usual for them.

“It comes down to trying to promote the safety and responsibility for the community as a whole,” he said.

And if you are participating in an unsanctioned event, such as the annual Ezra Avenue street party, Pridham adds police are ready to take action if needed.

“If there are issues that do arise, they’re going to be dealt with accordingly,” he said, “But if there is nothing that does come up, then there’s no reason for us to address it.”