'Significant' Hamilton police presence expected ahead of unsanctioned homecoming parties
Hamilton Police Service (HPS) is advising residents who live in neighbourhoods near McMaster University there will be a significant police presence Saturday in anticipation of "unsanctioned" homecoming celebrations.
In a release issued Tuesday, HPS said residents of Ainslie Woods and Westdale neighbourhoods “can expect a significant police presence on [Oct. 1] to address an unsanctioned street gathering planned to celebrate homecoming.”
Last year, an unsanctioned homecoming event in the Ainslie Woods area drew a crowd of approximately 5,000 partiers, and saw two individuals charged for Liquor Licence Act Offences
Photos of McMaster students participating in an unsanctioned homecoming event in 2021. (@ward1wilson/Twitter)
“Unsanctioned street gatherings are unsafe and result in unnecessary demands on all of our emergency services, including our hospitals,” HPS Superintendent Dave Hennick said in Tuesday’s release.
“They are disruptive to the community and pose significant safety risks to those in attendance.”
In addition to police, HPS said Hamilton Fire, Hamilton Paramedics, By-law Officers, Parking enforcement officials and Special Constables from McMaster Security have “enhanced their staffing and presence” ahead of Saturday.
This month, the City of Hamilton introduced a new Nuisance Party Bylaw, which makes it illegal to host, attend, permit, continue or refuse to leave an area, once it has been declared a nuisance.
“In addition to fines and penalties, people who conduct or host nuisance parties may be liable for remedial costs for fees from first responders, and/or, municipal law enforcement officers and City of Hamilton for attending the scene,” the release said.
Officials at McMaster have made it clear that any street events in the area are unsanctioned and have "no ties" to the institution.
"Even though there are no homecoming events [planned] at the university, Hamilton could still be the focus for some street events, which, in the past, have been organized and promoted by people with no connection to the university," the school said in a statement issued earlier this month.
"McMaster does not support these types of activities and actively works with community partners to try and dissuade students from attending street parties which can also attract large numbers of people from outside of the city. This is a challenge many cities are facing, not just Hamilton."
McMaster President David Farrar called last year’s event “reckless and destruction” in a statement issued following the incident.
The last sanctioned homecoming event hosted by McMaster University was in 2019.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Flights divert around western Iran as explosions and loud noise reportedly heard near Isfahan
Commercial flights began diverting their routes over western Iran without explanation early Friday as one semiofficial news agency in the Islamic Republic reported 'explosions' heard over the city of Isfahan. State television acknowledged 'loud noise.'
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.