Police in Waterloo are asking people to avoid the area of Marshall Street and Regina Street North due to large crowds of people moving through the area.

“Due to the high volume of individuals in the area of Marshall Street and Regina Street North in Waterloo, police are asking the public to avoid the area,” a post by Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) said on X Saturday.

Police said they are in the area “assisting in the moving of individuals.”

“WRPS is reminding the public that anyone committing illegal activities may be fined or charged.”

The area known as the university district because of its proximity to several post-secondary schools in the area sees unsanctioned parties most years around St. Patrick’s Day. Saturday looked a little different compared to previous years.

In past years, students gathered on Ezra Street to celebrate, but this year fencing and signs are prohibiting people from gathering on that street. Last year, 20,000 to 25,000 people gathered on Marshall Street instead, according to police.

There’s currently a nuisance bylaw in effect, which started Saturday at 12:01 a.m. and will run until 11:59 p.m. on March 17, which is St. Patrick’s Day.

The City of Waterloo declared a community safety event as an effort to prevent any unsanctioned parties.

People could receive fines ranging from $400 to $800 under the nuisance bylaw if roadways or sidewalks are blocked and a street closure is forced.

Despite the increased fines, some people on Saturday told CBC News they are still planning on partying. Since Ezra Street is closed they said they will gather on either Marshall or Regina Street.

“We’re going to figure it out as we go along, there’s a lot of people to follow,” said Maya Feigenberg, a Laurier student. “I think the police are kind of on our case right now because they’re tired of the students.”