St. Patrick’s Day Festivities Leads to Charges in Waterloo

Posted on: Friday March 20
Location: Waterloo
Occurrence #: WA26006341

Waterloo Regional Police issued over 200 charges during St. Patrick’s Day festivities. 

Between March 13, 2026, and March 18, 2026, police completed several operational deployments in Waterloo to help ensure the safety of residents, the public, and event attendees during large unsanctioned gatherings. 

The estimated crowd size at its peak on March 14, 2026, was approximately 7,500.

The types and number of charges laid included the following: 

Charge Type

WRPS Charges

Liquor Licence and Control Act

58

Highway Traffic Act

128

Trespass to Property Act

3

Other

10

By-Law

12

Criminal Code

6

Cannabis Control Act 

1

2026 Total

218

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A total of 218 St. Patrick’s Day related charges were laid by WPRS. 

The Waterloo Regional Police Service would like to thank all community partners who worked together to ensure public safety during this unlawful event, including the Ontario Provincial Police, City of Waterloo, Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services, Waterloo Fire Rescue, and Wilfrid Laurier University Special Constable Services, University of Waterloo Special Constable Services, Wilfrid Laurier University Residence Life, Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union, and Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association.

Media Inquiries

WRPS Public Information Unit

519-570-9777 (WRPS) ext. 8188

publicinfo@wrps.on.ca


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Contact Us

Waterloo Regional Police Service
P.O. Box 3070, 200 Maple Grove Road, Cambridge, ON N3H 5M1
Non-Emergency: 519-570-9777
Emergency: 9-1-1