Unauthorized McMaster homecoming parties are expected in Hamilton this weekend

Unauthorized McMaster homecoming parties are expected in Hamilton this weekend and officers say residents ‘can expect a significant police presence’ after a chaotic party last year.

In a news release on Tuesday, Hamilton police said residents of the Westdale and Ainslie Woods neighborhoods would see a large police presence on Saturday « to deal with a large unauthorized street gathering. »

Police noted that last year up to 5,000 people gathered there. There was property damage at the event, including an overturned vehicle, and charges have been laid.

« Unauthorized street gatherings are dangerous and cause unnecessary demands on all of our emergency services, including our hospitals, » the superintendent said. said Dave Hennick.

« They are disrupting the community and posing significant safety risks to those present. »

Police said firefighters, paramedics, by-law officers, parking enforcement officers and special constables at McMaster University have also boosted their numbers.

Police also noted that the City of Hamilton recently passed a nuisance party bylaw to address large unauthorized gatherings « that are or could become a public nuisance resulting in unreasonable noise, loud music, shouting, litter, damage to or destruction of property, public drunkenness or disorderly conduct or several other factors.

« The regulations prohibit lodging, frequenting, authorizing, continuing or refusing to leave an area, once it has been declared a nuisance, » the statement said.

Police said that in addition to fines and penalties, those who « organize or host harmful parties » could be held liable for repair costs for first responder costs.

Officers also noted that the Liquor Licensing and Control Act makes it an offense to be intoxicated in a public place or in the common areas of residences.

No official homecoming events scheduled

Earlier this month, McMaster University released a statement saying it has not hosted a sanctioned comeback event since 2019 and will not be hosting one this year either.

« Consistent with this practice, there will be no homecoming football game or other college activities this year, » the statement said.

“Even if there are no back-to-college events, Hamilton could still be at the center of some street events, which in the past have been organized and promoted by people unrelated to the college. ‘university. »

The university said it does not support such events and works to discourage students from attending.

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Weekend college street parties spin out of control in Hamilton

He said he had worked to educate students about Hamilton’s new regulations.

The university added that the city has implemented a “University District Safety Initiative” in neighborhoods around McMaster, which is in effect Wednesday through Sunday.

“When the University Safety District initiative is in effect, there is zero tolerance for noise and other infractions,” said Monica Ciriello, director of licensing and regulatory services for Hamilton.

« This includes excessive noise, attending or hosting a nuisance party and disobeying a bylaw or police officer and results in fines of up to $10,000. »