Hamilton police, McMaster aim to prevent nuisance parties ahead of homecoming

As thousands of McMaster University students take to the streets of west Hamilton on Saturday to celebrate school spirit, about 100 police officers will be deployed to maintain crowd control. 

Past homecoming parties including this one in 2021 have gotten out of control involving public intoxication, mischief and property damage.

But every year after that, a Nuisance Party Bylaw quieted things down.

“In the past we’ve had some off campus parties that happened on Dalewood Avenue and that whole road closures piece. We’re okay with that and part of our messaging to the community is going to be respectful of the neighbours that live in the area and we want students to be respectful,” said Insp. Frank Miscione with the Hamilton police.

There will be about 100 police officers from Hamilton, Niagara, and London, Ont. helping to keep the potential crowds under control in the neighbourhoods around McMaster University for homecoming.

“Our presence will be there. Our job is to keep their property safe and them safe as well along with the students. If they need to contact us, certainly call 911 if it’s needed or if you look at your door and see a police officer standing nearby, approach them if you need to. But there will be a very large increased presence out there for public safety,” Miscione said.

WATCH MORE: How Hamilton, police, McMaster plans to keep Homecoming safe for all

Homecoming events on campus this weekend will include a Marauders football game at Ron Joyce Stadium at 1 p.m.

Food trucks, games and other activities will also take place  in front of the Peter George Centre throughout the day, followed by a concert at 6 p.m. in the John Hodgins building.

“Hopefully it’s a great time, they can enjoy themselves, be conscious of the neighbourhoods that they live in. We always strive to be good neighbours and our students by large do a great job of that and we want that tradition to continue where we’re able to celebrate McMaster and what it means to be part of this community, at the same time respecting the neighbourhoods that we live in,” said Sean Van Koughnett, the associate vice president of students and learning at McMaster University.

The City of Hamilton has filed for an injunction to be able to enforce its Nuisance Party Bylaw but even if it’s approved, police will have to assess the situation before reacting.

The city is working closely with police, campus security, and first responders for this weekend’s festivities.

WATCH MORE: Mac Marauders take on Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks in homecoming game