Protests planned in Waterloo this weekend

The University has been made aware of a planned protest in Uptown Waterloo beginning at noon on Saturday, February 5 and running until noon on Sunday, February 6 in and around the Waterloo Public Square. It is possible that these protests will extend into next week.

We advise you to exercise caution if you are in the area around Uptown Waterloo during this time.

As we have seen in Ottawa and elsewhere, these types of protests have the potential to disrupt transportation and pedestrian activity in the immediate vicinity, which may impact those members of our community who live or commute through uptown, as well as those co-op students working in the area. This protest could also affect streets in and around the University’s main campus.

Follow the news and Waterloo Regional Police Service page for alerts and developments. If you are living or working in other cities such as Toronto or Montreal, where protests are also planned, check the local police service pages for their alerts.

We have seen instances of racist and hateful imagery used by some attendees at similar protests. The Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-racism has tools, resources and other supports available for students, faculty and staff. You can also book an appointment with Counselling Services at 519-888-4567, ext. 32655, connect with Empower Me at 1-833-628-5589, and Good2Talk, a post-secondary student helpline available to all students. The Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) also has peer support resourcesavailable for students.