03-19-2018, 08:24 AM
(02-22-2018, 09:17 PM)KevinL Wrote: No more street party on Ezra for St. Patrick’s Day, says police chief
Quote:Larkin won't say how many uniformed and plain-clothes officers will be on the streets but at this week's police services board meeting, board members approved a plan to bring in the public safety unit from Peel Regional Police.
That means in addition to local officers, police from Peel Regional will be on hand that date.
It's the first time local police have asked for help from another police service.
This year's street party went on as usual despite efforts by the police to contain it. Crowds were larger than last year and it may be larger next year when St. Patrick's Day falls on a Sunday. So what is the community to do?
There is already a petition to stop the party. The police could get tougher next year by bringing out billy clubs, water cannons and tear gas. But there are alternatives.
Why not embrace the event the way Port Dover welcomes bikers on Friday the 13th? Or the way the authorities in Montreal turn a blind eye to people openly smoking marijuana at the Sunday Tam Tam's? Police will remove anyone who is intoxicated and harassing other people.
For example, authorities could have more control on Ezra Street if there were information booths set up by the police, universities, businesses, etc. There could be some food trucks. Small beer tents could also be set up and they would be able to refuse serving anyone who is drunk or unruly.
The event could be tamed if it was co-opted. It might be worth a try.