City of Hamilton, police gear up for St. Patrick’s Day festivities

As the excitement for St. Patrick’s Day gears up in Hamilton, the city is hoping a safety initiative will keep students and locals safe.

The annual tradition on March 17 recognizes Ireland’s patron saint of a Christian missionary who converted the people of the country to Christianity.

It has since turned into a festive holiday that has waves of green filling the streets as the colour is traditionally meant to prevent someone from getting pinched by a Leprechaun.

For students at McMaster University though, it’s been a day that they have historically partied a little too hard, leading to the city and school implementing a zero-tolerance zone in and around the campus.

Under the nuisance party bylaw, an individual host, property owner or attendee could face a fine of up to $10,000 for a first offence and $25,000 for any subsequent offence.

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With the weekend festivities beginning on Saturday, students flooded the local LCBO in preparation for celebrations, though the nuisance bylaw remained on their minds.

“I think it’s valid if people want to party. I think if people want to party they have to be respectful about the neighbourhood and people around them.” said one student.

“As long as everyone’s keeping it you know tame and not disturbing the general public I think it’s fine. There’s a pretty hefty fine. I wouldn’t wanna find myself under one of those.” said another.

Hamilton police say there will be an increased police presence in the surrounding Westdale and Ainslie Woods neighbourhoods.

At the same time, local Irish pubs like Fionn MacCool’s are anticipating a busy weekend.

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“We expect a line up at around 11 a.m. tomorrow. We expect to be busy all day. We have live entertainment from 12 o’clock all the way to 2 a.m. when we close.” said Jacob Szabo, who works at the pub.

With festivities expected throughout the weekend, police are reminding drivers to drink responsibly.

“The last thing you need is a knock on the door from a police officer saying your loved one was killed as a result of an impaired driver.” said OPP Const. Ed Sanchuck.

Police are reminding everyone to prevent tragedies by simply planning a ride ahead of time.