Ottawa police flood the 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.

first responders
A heavy presence of first responders, including Ottawa police, bylaw, fire and paramedics, were visible in the Sandy Hill area as University students left the Panda Game Sunday. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia
2024 Panda Game
Alias Amelin of the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees hoisted the Pedro the panda trophy after receiving it in the locker room Sunday afternoon. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
bylaw
Two bylaw officers stopped for a laugh and a selfie with the front yard sign saying “we eat bylaw for breakfast.” Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia

On X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, the City of Ottawa’s bylaw and regulatory services posted messages 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. 

A heavy presence of first responders, including Ottawa police, bylaw, fire and paramedics, were visible in the Sandy Hill area as university students left the Panda Game Sunday.
A heavy presence of first responders, including Ottawa police, bylaw, fire and paramedics, were visible in the Sandy Hill area as university students left the Panda Game Sunday. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia

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

A heavy presence of first responders, including Ottawa police, bylaw, fire and paramedics, were visible in the Sandy Hill area as university students left the Panda Game Sunday.
A heavy presence of first responders, including Ottawa police, bylaw, fire and paramedics, were visible in the Sandy Hill area as university students left the Panda Game Sunday. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia
A heavy presence of first responders, including Ottawa police, bylaw, fire and paramedics, were visible in the Sandy Hill area as university students left the Panda Game Sunday.
A heavy presence of first responders, including Ottawa police, bylaw, fire and paramedics, were visible in the Sandy Hill area as university students left the Panda Game Sunday. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia
A heavy presence of first responders, including Ottawa police, bylaw, fire and paramedics, were visible in the Sandy Hill area as university students left the Panda Game Sunday.
A heavy presence of first responders, including Ottawa police, bylaw, fire and paramedics, were visible in the Sandy Hill area as university students left the Panda Game Sunday. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia
A heavy presence of first responders, including Ottawa police, bylaw, fire and paramedics, were visible in the Sandy Hill area as university students left the Panda Game Sunday.
A heavy presence of first responders, including Ottawa police, bylaw, fire and paramedics, were visible in the Sandy Hill area as university students left the Panda Game Sunday. Photo by Ashley Fraser /Postmedia
2024 Panda Game
University of Ottawa Gee-Gees hoisted the Pedro the panda trophy after receiving it in the locker room Sunday afternoon. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
Marcel Bellefeuille, Ottawa Gee-Gees football coach talked to the players in the locker room after the big win Sunday. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
University of Ottawa Gee-Gees celebrate on the field after the big win Sunday afternoon. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
University of Ottawa Gee-Gees celebrate on the field after the big win Sunday afternoon. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
University of Ottawa Gee-Gees celebrate on the field after the big win Sunday afternoon. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
Gee-Gees players try to hush the crowd as the Ravens scored a touchdown at the end of the game to make it a close score. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
Tristan Fortin of the Gee-Gees was pumped up at the end of the game, moments before the big win. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
Gee-Gees Frecks Francois Jr. was pumped moments before the end of the game and the Gee-Gees big win. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
Zachary Seguin of the Gee-Gees makes his way back to the bench, moments before the team secured the win. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
University of Ottawa Gee-Gees fans at the 2024 Panda Game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
Fans cheer. University of Ottawa Gee-Gees won the annual Panda Game against the Carleton University Ravens that took place on Sunday. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
Fans packed the stands, with Carleton supporters on the north side and Ottawa supporters on the south, as the two teams vied for the coveted Pedro trophy. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
University of Ottawa Gee-Gees won the annual Panda Game against the Carleton University Ravens that took place on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
Gee-Gees Alias Amelin was thrilled with one of the last plays before the end of the game that they won. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
Gee-Gees Denny Ferdinand tackles Ethan Rocha of the Ravens. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
Gee-Gees quarterback middle) Josh Janssen was all smiles as he made his way back to the bench towards the end of the game they won. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
University of Ottawa Gee-Gees won the annual Panda Game against the Carleton University Ravens that took place on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
Gee-Gees Souleymane Camara gets taken down with the ball. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
The annual Panda Game between the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees and Carleton University Ravens took place on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, reigniting a fierce rivalry that has spanned nearly seven decades. Fans packed the stands. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
Ottawa Gee-Gees fan watches the Panda Game Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
Fans packed the stands, with Carleton supporters on the north side and Ottawa supporters on the south, as the two teams vied for the coveted Pedro trophy. This long-standing tradition, which began in 1955, continues to be a highlight of Ottawa’s sports culture and a high-profile party for the university students. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
Ravens Alex Boily tries to stop Gee-Gees player after he jumped to catch the ball. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
Fans packed the stands, with Carleton supporters on the north side and Ottawa supporters on the south, as the two teams vied for the coveted Pedro trophy. This long-standing tradition, which began in 1955, continues to be a highlight of Ottawa’s sports culture and a high-profile party for the university students. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
The annual Panda Game between the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees and Carleton University Ravens took place on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, reigniting a fierce rivalry that has spanned nearly seven decades. Fans packed the stands, with Carleton supporters on the north side and Ottawa supporters on the south, as the two teams vied for the coveted Pedro trophy. This long-standing tradition, which began in 1955, continues to be a highlight of Ottawa’s sports culture and a high-profile party for the university students. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
University of Ottawa Gee-Gees Noah Avery holds the ball as Carleton University Ravens Mathieu Thiel tries to stop him. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
Carleton University Ravens Kaseem Ferdinand runs the ball during a play. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
Carleton University Ravens Frederik Hachey holds the ball tight after being tackled. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
University of Ottawa Gee-Gees Josh Janssen tries to shake off Carleton University Ravens Ife Onyeka. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
Carleton Ravens Alessio Colasante with the ball during the first half of the game. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
University of Ottawa Gee-Gees Tristan Gilbert Thibault celebrates in the end zone after a touchdown. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
University of Ottawa Gee-Gees try to stop Carleton University Ravens Frederik Hachey. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
The annual Panda Game between the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees and Carleton University Ravens took place on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, reigniting a fierce rivalry that has spanned nearly seven decades. Fans packed the stands. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
The annual Panda Game between the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees and Carleton University Ravens took place on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, reigniting a fierce rivalry that has spanned nearly seven decades. Fans packed the stands. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
The annual Panda Game between the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees and Carleton University Ravens took place on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
Fans at the annual Panda Game between the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees and Carleton University Ravens. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
2024 Panda Game
Supporters of the Carleton University Ravens at the annual Panda Game on Sunday. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA

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