MEDIA RELEASE: 10 March 2021 – R0030
Brock University is reminding its students that this isn’t the year to be testing your luck around St. Patrick’s Day.
With strict COVID-19 regulations in place in Niagara and across the province, municipal by-law officers, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) and Brock Campus Security will be keeping a close eye on things leading up to and on Wednesday, March 17.
The University and the Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU) are working closely with NRPS and area municipalities to communicate a message that focuses on student safety, and the enforcement of current restrictions.
Brock’s Off-Campus Living and Neighbourhood Relations office has updated its Don’t Put the Bad in Badger campaign to reflect the impact of the pandemic and what’s allowed when it comes to indoor and outdoor gatherings.
The impact of social gatherings on the spread of COVID-19 is significant. In-person gatherings and activities are strongly discouraged and large gatherings aren’t allowed as the pandemic situation in Niagara continues to evolve. Brock is hiring additional uniformed NRPS officers to assist with neighbourhood patrols on St. Patrick’s Day and the days leading up to it. The NRPS and city bylaw officers are taking a zero-tolerance approach and will be issuing fines and tickets as required.
Fines can range from $750 for attending an unlawful gathering up to $10,000 for hosting one.
As part of the Brock Off-Campus Patrol project, Campus Security officers will also patrol off-campus neighbourhoods in Thorold and St. Catharines to identify areas of concern for NRPS.
On-campus, a no-guest policy remains in effect, and Residence staff will be offering alternative programming for students.
The Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre (SWAC) is launching an education campaign on substance abuse, consent, safe partying and safe drinking. SWAC is also partnering with BUSU on Wellness Week from Monday, March 15 to Friday, March 19 to provide safe alternatives to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Through its Brock Neighbourhood Relations Protocol, the University is asking that residents with ongoing concerns about off-campus student properties contact ocl@brocku.ca or 905-688-5550 x3721. Immediate concerns should be brought to the attention of Campus Security at x3200 or NRPS dispatch at 905-688-4111.
For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:
* Dan Dakin, Manager Communications and Media Relations, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca or 905-347-1970
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