Ottawa police flood Sandy Hill zone after Panda Game

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As darkness and pelting rain fell Sunday, Ottawa Police Service and other first-responder vehicles were out in force in Sandy Hill hoping to prevent the kind of post-Panda partying that, in recent years, has caused disturbances that residents have compared to riots.

At TD Place in the afternoon, the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees narrowly beat the Carleton Ravens 35-32 during the two universities’ annual football game, giving uOttawa students cause for celebration in their Sandy Hill turf.

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Late Sunday afternoon, marked and unmarked police vehicles cruised up and down the neighbourhood’s streets. Ottawa bylaw, paramedic and fire vehicles were parked nearby too.

At about 8:30 p.m., an Ottawa police Central Division spokesperson reported that post-Panda activities were, to that point, very quiet.

On X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, the City of Ottawa’s bylaw and regulatory services posted messages Sunday urging responsible revelry while promising that officers would be responding to calls regarding loud parties.

“Whether you’re flying with the Ravens or galloping with the Gee-Gees, let’s keep the Panda-monium fun but within reason! Respect your neighbourhood and follow the noise regulations. Let’s make Ottawa proud, responsibly,” read one post.

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Panda parties have simmered down in recent years, thanks to a number of strategies deployed by police, bylaw officers, the University of Ottawa and the community.

Last year, two people were arrested for public intoxication. In 2022, police issued 88 tickets for open alcohol and arrested seven people for public intoxication and mischief. 

After the 2021 Panda game, an estimated 2,000 party-goers thronged on Russell Avenue in Sandy Hill near uOttawa, between Somerset Street East and Templeton Street.

The revellers threw beer cans, peed on lawns and flipped a car. Paramedics later reported transporting seven patients to hospital to be treated for alcohol intoxication and minor injuries.

In advance of this year’s post-Panda game partying, some Sandy Hill residents registered with the Ottawa police “agent status” program, which allows property-owners to sign up in advance to allow police officers to enforce the Trespass to Property Act if party-goers spill onto their property.

The property owner gets a sticker to attach to the front of the building to notify police that the owner is enrolled in the program. Ottawa police say the program allows officers to enter a building or property to remove unwanted persons.

phum@postmedia.com

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