With the annual Panda game on Saturday, October 1, 2022, it is important to keep ourselves and our community safe. By practicing safer substance use and being a good neighbour, Panda can be a fun, safe and respectful celebration of university sport.
Planning ahead and following Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines are just a few ways to reduce harm and be safer during and after the game. Other ways to reduce harm include:
- Planning for a safe ride home.
- Try 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.
- Stay hydrated before, during and after drinking or using other substances. This will help to reduce the harmful after effects of substances such as alcohol. Try having one glass of water between every one to two alcoholic beverages.
- Eat a nutritious meal prior to consuming substances and make sure to snack throughout the day.
- 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.
- Setting limits for yourself and sticking to them.
For more harm reduction tips and additional information on specific substances
visit Carleton Wellness.
Be a Good Neighbour
It is important to do your best to be a good neighbor and represent the Ravens with pride before, during and after the Panda game. If you are planning to host or attend any gatherings, be sure to remain respectful of 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.
- 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.
- Reminding your guests to be considerate of the community.
The responsibility is yours whether you are a guest or are hosting a pre/post-game 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 a large and sustained presence in the ByWard Market, Old Ottawa South and Sandy Hill areas this weekend to monitor activities related to Panda game.
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 this weekend with heavy fines.
We wish you a safe and fun Panda game. Go Ravens!
