With St. Patrick’s Day upon us, it is important to keep ourselves and our community safe. By practicing safer substance use and being a good neighbour, St. Patrick’s Day can be a fun, safe and respectful celebration.

Planning ahead and following Canada’s guidance on alcohol (PDF, 739 KB) are just a few ways to reduce harm and be safer while celebrating.

  • Eating a nutritious meal prior to consuming substances and make sure to snack throughout the day.
  • Setting limits for yourself and sticking to them.
  • Planning for a safe ride home.
  • Trying to stick to one substance. Mixing multiple substances, including prescription medications, can have harmful short- and long-term effects as well as increase the risk of overdose.
  • Knowing the signs of an overdose and carrying naloxone to temporarily reverse the effects of an overdose.
  • Staying hydrated before, during and after drinking or using other substances. This will help to reduce the harmful aftereffects of substances such as alcohol. Try having one glass of water between every one to two alcoholic beverages.
  • Avoiding consuming substances alone.
  • Letting a friend know what your plans are and where you will be in advance. Be sure to have a plan to contact help if you need it.
  • Consent is crucial and cannot be given while impaired.
  • Dress for the weather! March can still be a chilly time of year in Ottawa. Exposure to extreme temperatures can increase your risk of frostbite and other harms. Contrary to popular belief, substances such as alcohol do not make you warmer – so please be prepared.
  • For more harm reduction tips and additional information on specific substances visit the Carleton Mental Health and Wellness site.

Create a Culture of Consent

No one deserves or asks to be sexually assaulted, no matter their use of drugs or alcohol. Consent can not be given while high, drunk, or otherwise impaired. Period.

Remember that consent:

  • Is freely and expressly given. It’s not just about ‘yes’ or ‘no’. feeling pressured or afraid to say no are not a part of consent.
  • Is specific and can be taken away at any point in time. Just because someone has consented to sexual acts in the past does not automatically mean they are currently consenting. Ask and check in consistently with your partner.
  • Is enthusiastic and enjoyable. Sex should be fun for everyone involved! Ask if they are comfortable, are enjoying themselves, if it feels good, etc.

If you need support before or after St. Patrick’s Day festivities, you can connect with Carleton University’s Sexual Assault Support Centre in person in 3800 CTTC Monday to Friday or via email at equity@carleton.ca.

Be a Good Neighbour

It is important to do your best to be a good neighbour this St. Patrick’s Day. If you are planning any gatherings, be sure to remain respectful of your neighbours by:

  • Limiting the number of guests and stick to the people you know and trust.
  • Letting your neighbours know about the gathering in advance and ask if they have any concerns.
  • Have non-alcoholic beverage options and lots of snacks available for guests to reduce the risk of over-intoxication and vomiting.
  • Keeping noise levels low; excessive noise at any time of the day is illegal if it is considered a nuisance by your neighbours and the fines can be significant.
  • Cleaning up after yourself and refrain from disruptive actions like littering and vandalism.
  • Encourage guests to use the washroom before leaving to reduce the risk of receiving a ticket for public urination.
  • Reminding your guests to be considerate of the community.

These responsibilities are yours whether you are a guest or are hosting a gathering.

Please be advised the Ottawa Police Service (OPS), Ottawa By-Law and Regulatory Services and the Alcohol Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) will have an enhanced and sustained presence in the ByWard Market, Sandy Hill and Old Ottawa South areas leading up to and during St. Patrick’s Day activities.

Officers will be present to ensure safe and law-abiding behaviour, focusing on Liquor Licence Act offences and general conduct issues. There will be strict enforcement.

We wish you a safe and fun St. Patrick’s Day!