Brock University aims to tame St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans
Niagara police stepping up patrols in St. Catharines and Thorold this weekend
There will be extra Niagara Regional Police officers patrolling streets this weekend to ensure St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans don’t get out of hand.
Const. Phil Gavin said the NRP has been working with Brock University, the cities of St. Catharines and Thorold and their bylaw enforcement officers and fire departments, and Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario “towards a safe St. Patrick’s Day” — on both Saturday and Sunday.
In past years, St. Patrick’s Day parties have attracted hundreds of celebrating students, causing disturbances in several areas, but notably Jacobson Avenue near The Pen Centre and Winterberry Boulevard in Thorold.
Gavin said extra police officers and staff will patrol “areas that have historically had issues.”
“These patrols will be focusing on issues of noise, loud parties, music, parking, and nuisance behaviour,” he said.
Licensed establishments may be subject to compliance checks.
Police will also be on the lookout for impaired drivers.
In a media release, Brock University said on-campus events are being offered prior to St. Patrick’s Day.
University staff, police and bylaw enforcement officers have been going door-to-door in neighbourhoods with large student populations as part of the school’s Don’t Put the Bad in Badger campaign, which encourages students to consider what it means to be a good neighbour throughout the year.
Students are being reminded about fines that can be incurred by violating local bylaws.
In the press release, Brock’s executive director of student life and success, Jenn Skelding, said St. Patrick’s Day may be an opportunity to celebrate, but “we ask that our students do so with both their safety and their community in mind.”
“Our students make many positive contributions to the region throughout the year, and March 17 should be no different,” she said.
The university provided funding for the additional police officers to assist with neighbourhood patrols throughout the weekend.
The media release said police and bylaw officers are taking a “zerotolerance approach to offences and and that they will have high visibility in neighbourhoods near the Brock campus.
The university’s graduate students association president, Rakha Zabin, encouraged students to “paint the town green with joy, but always be mindful of the precious hues of our community’s health and safety.”
“As we celebrate St. Patrick’s week, let responsibility be our lucky charm. Cheers to a vibrant, mindful and safe celebration for all,” Zabin said in the release.