New by-law for large gatherings was passed after an infamous “unsanctioned homecoming” event near McMaster University in 2021 resulted in a flipped car, unsafe conditions, and destruction of property. Photo credit: Pexels/Maurício Mascaro
Hamilton Police released a public statement last week warning party-goers of Hamilton’s new “nuisance party” by-law which gives police the ability to lay additional charges when responding to large social gatherings.
The statement comes amid the university school year and, more specifically, homecoming season.
The Nuisance Party By-Law (By-Law 22-235) was enacted by the City of Hamilton last year in order to help regulate large gatherings.
The extra measure was passed after an infamous “unsanctioned homecoming” event near McMaster University in 2021 resulted in a flipped car, unsafe conditions, and destruction of property.
Other activities included obstruction of traffic, disorderly conduct, excessive noise, and the unsafe launch of fireworks.
Under the by-law, Hamilton Police can issue an order for large gatherings to disperse.
Party hosts or attendees can also face fines up to $10,000 for a first offence or up to $25,000 in fines for multiple offences.
In addition to the by-law, the City of Hamilton and Hamilton Police have also developed a University District Safety Initiative (UDSI) to address behaviours that accompany large gatherings.
Hamilton Police note that UDSI timelines are primarily during the month of September when university homecomings take place. They note that St. Patrick’s Day is also known for large student gatherings.
Police say that during specified UDSI operational times, the area around McMaster University is subject to zero-tolerance enforcement of the Nuisance Party By-law.
The service defines a nuisance party as a gathering of people where any of a long list of activities occur, including public drunkenness or public intoxication, damage or destruction of public or private property, obstruction of traffic, excessive noise, loud music, shouting, and public disturbances.
The parties are also known for multiple injuries.
The public statement by police also came one day after McMaster University Dean of Students Sean Van Koughnett issued a statement telling students not to attend street parties and warning of potential penalties under the Nuisance Party By-law.
Van Koughnett wrote that street parties “are not about sports or school spirit.”
He also notes that the university does not hold any official homecoming parties.
“These disruptive events are promoted on social media by anonymous party sites to make profits at our students’ and community’s expense.”
Proactive preparation by the City of Hamilton, Hamilton Police Services, and McMaster University resulted in no major incidents at 2022 gatherings.
It appears that a “nuisance party” gathering that took place this past Saturday also ended without any major incidents even though there were five arrests.
Police say that approximately 8,000 to 9,000 people gathered in the Westdale and Ainslie Woods neighbourhoods.
There were 49 calls for service, five arrests, and 10 provincial offence notices.
Hamilton Police Superintendent Dave Hennick declared the weekend a victory as far as community safety is concerned.
“Joining forces with the City, McMaster University, and our first responder partners allowed us to mitigate the adverse effects of unauthorized street gatherings,” said Hennick.
The Nuisance Party By-Law remains in effect all year long citywide.
Based in Hamilton, he reaches hundreds of thousands of people monthly on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. He has been published in The Hamilton Spectator, Stoney Creek News, and Bay Observer. He has also been a segment host with Cable 14 Hamilton. In 2017, he received the Chancellor Full Tuition Scholarship from the University of Ottawa (BA, 2022). He has also received the Governor General’s Academic Medal. He formerly worked in a non-partisan role on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
