A reminder to have a safe and law-abiding Saint Patrick’s Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, March 15, 2022  3:00 pm 

(Ottawa)—The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) are working with Ottawa By-law and Regulatory Services and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) to have a large and sustained presence in the ByWard Market and Sandy Hill areas for St. Patrick’s Day festivities. 

Officers will focus on Criminal Code, Liquor Licence and Control Act offences, and other general conduct issues.

Police have gone door to door in the Sandy Hill/ByWard Market area in the past weeks to speak directly to residents and businesses. We want to assure residents that we hear your concerns.

In the past, some of these events have negatively impacted local residents and neighbourhoods. For example, parties after last year’s Panda Game resulted in multiple incidents of criminal activity including destruction of property and assault. Multiple criminal charges were laid as a result. St. Patrick’s Day has also resulted in large gatherings that have been difficult to manage and disruptive to the community.

We are also aware of similar activity in other cities.

This week, there will be increased and strict enforcement with limited discretion and no tolerance for law-breaking including bylaws, provincial laws, and criminal offences.

Police and By-law are aware of several addresses that have previously raised concerns and will be monitoring them.

Public safety will be the number one priority.

We know there’s a lot to celebrate with COVID-19 restrictions lifting and the weather warming up. We remind partygoers that police and by-law officers will be enforcing the law, so we encourage everyone to please celebrate responsibly. We will not tolerate the type of activities that followed last year’s Panda Game. 

Here are some tips for a safe, law-abiding Saint Patrick’s Day:

1. Plan your ride. Drive sober. No alcohol. No drugs. Order a rideshare, take public transit or stay overnight.
2. Be a good neighbour. Loud and rowdy parties do not make good neighbour relations. Keep the noise/music to a dull roar and respect property in your neighbourhood.
3. Keep alcohol where it belongs. Police will enforce the Liquor Licence and Control Act. Leave the booze at home or drink it at an authorized establishment. 
4. Don’t invite us to the party. Keep gatherings under control with visitors, you know.
5. Be a good friend. Watch out for the safety and wellbeing of one another. Call 911 in an emergency.

As always, if you spot an impaired driver or for emergencies, please call 9-1-1.

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, March 9, 2022  4:04 pm 

Officer presence increased downtown for St. Patrick’s Day festivities

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service (OPS), Ottawa By-law and Regulatory Services and the Alcohol Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) will have a large and sustained presence in the ByWard Market and Sandy Hill area this weekend and next to monitor activities related to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Officers will be present to ensure safe and law-abiding behaviour, focusing on Liquor Licence Act offences and general conduct issues. There will be strict enforcement this weekend.

People in the area may have already seen police and/or By-law enforcement officers contacting local residents and students in advance of any festivities.

If property owners wish, they can grant police Agent Status in advance to enable officers to enforce the Trespass to Property Act if partygoers spill onto their private property.

DRIVE SOBER

As always, public safety will be the number one priority, and officers will be enforcing the law, so please celebrate responsibly.   

Remember to plan ahead. Have a designated driver, order a rideshare or taxi, take public transit or stay overnight.

If you spot an impaired driver, please call 9-1-1.

Questions and concerns can be directed to plt@ottawapolice.ca; for all other emergencies, please call 911. 

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366