Party

say it was significantly larger than last year.”

In 2022, an estimated 4,000 people took part in the celebrations, and just over 150 charges were laid. More than 500 charges were laid in 2019 when pre-pandemic crowds soared as high as 33,000.

“It is unfortunate that we continue to see individuals take part in unlawful and unsanctioned gatherings that pose significant safety concerns to the public and to emergency service providers,” Waterloo Regional Police Chief Mark Crowell said in a release.

“I want to extend my thanks to our members and community partners for the significant planning and preparation that led up to this event to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.”

Officers responded to nearly 500 incidents related to the St. Patrick’s Day gathering this year. Charges included 96 under the Highway Traffic Act, 92 under the Liquor Licence and Control Act, along with seven bylaw charges, three Cannabis Control Act charges and 15 others.

It cost about $204,100 to police last year’s event; this year’s tally isn’t yet known.

Earlier this week, police reported a total of nine arrests for impaired driving across Waterloo Region from Friday at 6:30 p.m. through Saturday at 3:30 a.m., with a total of 15 impairedrelated charges were laid. WITH FILES FROM CHEYENNE BHOLLA AND LIZ MONTEIRO BRENT DAVIS IS A GENERAL ASSIGNMENT REPORTER FOR THE RECORD. REACH HIM VIA EMAIL: BDAVIS@THERECORD.COM