Waterloo Mayor Expresses Shock Over Police Sniper Deployment at University District Party
Waterloo Regional Police confirmed that an officer was deployed as a sniper during their response to an unsanctioned St. Patrick's Day street party in the university district over the weekend, a decision that left Mayor Dorothy McCabe "shocked and surprised." The mayor told The Canadian Press she was unaware of the deployment until after the police force verified that photos and videos from Saturday showed one of their officers in that capacity.
Mayor Seeks Explanation from Police Chief
McCabe, who also stated she was unaware of any concerns about weapons or "extreme violence" associated with the event, has since requested a meeting with Waterloo Regional Police Chief Mark Crowell to understand why a sniper was deemed necessary to monitor the festivities. The police force, responsible for law enforcement in Kitchener and Cambridge as well, has not publicly explained the rationale behind the sniper's deployment, ignoring a question from The Canadian Press on the matter.
History of Growing Notoriety for St. Patrick's Day Parties
St. Patrick's Day parties have been a persistent issue in Waterloo for years, particularly in the residential area south of the Laurier University campus. This neighborhood is near Uptown Waterloo, the city's main business district, and close to the University of Waterloo and a Conestoga College satellite campus. What was once considered a "very manageable event" has escalated in notoriety.
- In 2019, multiple revellers were arrested after a crowd estimated at 20,000 people turned rowdy and pelted officers with bottles.
- In 2025, the city sought a court injunction to control the situation, as reported by CityNews Kitchener.
- This year, the city used nuisance bylaws to keep celebrations in check and declared a community safety event.
Police Response and Public Warnings
On Saturday, police warned the public to avoid the Marshall St.-Regina St. N. area, noting that the Waterloo police public order unit was "assisting in the moving of individuals." Police spokesperson Chris Iden told CTV News in Kitchener that there would be an increase in police and municipal bylaw presence in the university area to ensure public safety, with messaging urging participants to be safe and respectful.
Waterloo police emphasized that officers "work closely" with first responders and community groups, including those from local post-secondary institutions, to provide a coordinated response to the parties. However, the specific reasons for deploying a sniper remain unclear, adding to the controversy and concern expressed by local officials.
