Unsanctioned gatherings will not be tolerated, says Laurier's VP of student affairs

Wilfrid Laurier University said the school's special constable service is working with police toincrease security presence around campus after hundreds of students took part ina large, unsanctioned gathering over the weekend.

Waterloo Regional Police Services (WRPS)responded toreports of a large gathering in the area of Ezra Avenue and Clayfield Avenue on Sept. 5,where several vehicles were damaged and at least two people where injured, according to police.

"The crowd dispersed after approximately three hours and a street sweeper was brought in to clean up an extensive amount of litter and debris that was left behind," police said in a release Tuesday.

WRPSinterim ChiefJohn Goodmansaid there were also several smaller pop-up parties over the weekend that officers responded to, but Ezra Avenue was the "the big one."

"There has been a significant amount of charges laid from the current events and we're still investigating some of the criminal pieces," he saidduring a police services board meeting on Wednesday.

"This is not good. This is not good for the community. It's very disrespectful to the neighbourhood who are surrounding it."

Laurier'svice-president of student affairs, Ivan Joseph, said in a statement the school is aware thatLaurier students and students from other universities took part in the gathering over the weekend "that resulted in property damage, caused serious injury and put the physical safety of students and other residents at risk."

"This type of unsanctioned gathering was dangerous and there is zero tolerance for this behaviour at Laurier," Joseph wrote.

"While the majority of our first-year students have enjoyed campus orientation week programming organized by the students' union, which helps to foster a sense of campus spirit and pride across our campuses, it is disappointing that some have chosen to participate in behaviour that is dangerous to our community."

Students could face criminal charges

Joseph said the school'sSpecial Constable Serviceis collaborating with WRPSto go through video footage in an effort toidentify students atLaurier who took partin illegal activities orcaused injury.

He warned students could face criminal charges andmay also face disciplinary actions from the university "that may lead to their suspension and or expulsion."

The university, police and the City of Waterloo are asking students to do their part to stay safeespecially asemergency departments continue to faceincreasing pressures due to COVID-19.

"We're disappointed that an unsanctioned gathering occurred, puttingunnecessarystrain on the local emergency response network," the City of Waterloo said in a statement to CBC Kitchener-Waterloo.

"We encourage students to enjoy the great amenities in our city, support local businesses and enjoy their time in Waterloo safely and responsibly. Working with our community partners, we are ready and will address any future incidents and will enforce applicable bylaws."

Plans in place for the weekend

With more large gatherings expected to take place this upcoming weekend, Goodman said police have a plan in place to respond.

"We've had operational plans in place as of the second week of August and they'll run straight through to the end of the month of September, where we'll have more enforcement and more visibility, more officers on the street," Goodman toldThe Morning EditionThursday.

He also saidpolicing large gatherings significantlyimpacts policeresources.

"We have to call members into overtime and cancel members' time off in order to have the proper resources on the road, so it is very expensive for us and for the city in terms of bylaw and their teams," he said.

His message to students this weekend is that if they are going to party, to do it safely and be respectful to surrounding neighbours.