Hamilton enforcing Nuisance Party bylaw ahead of St. Patrick’s Day weekend

Hamilton’s nuisance party by-law is in effect around McMaster University this weekend until Tuesday to discourage any large parties and to keep students safe.

While St. Patrick’s Day may be on Monday, the goal of the University District Safety Initiative is to deter large unsanctioned parties from happening in and around the university area.

It went into effect Thursday night at 11:59 p.m. and will stay in effect until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday.

Some students that spoke with CHCH News at McMaster say they’re aware of the bylaw but don’t have any big party plans.

The areas surrounding the McMaster campus include zero-tolerance zones that encompass parts of the Westdale neighbourhood along Forsyth Ave. North and King Street, and the boundary across the street from the campus from Main St. West and the 403 off-ramp, down to Main St. West and Osler Drive.

Hamilton police will be enforcing the nuisance party bylaw.

Superintendent Robin Abbott with Hamilton police said the bylaw actually applies to the entire city, but patrol has been stepped up in the city’s west end.

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It started being implemented for significant events in 2022, following a rowdy 2021 Homecoming party where a car was flipped over.

Abbot also said that nuisance parties have decreased since the bylaw was introduced.

Penalties can be hefty, as people can face up to $10,000 in fines for a first offence and $25,000 for following offences related to a nuisance.

Other penalties range from $300 for attending a nuisance party, to $500 for hosting, creating or allowing a nuisance party to happen.

Additionally, people could also face additional remedial costs for fees from first responders for attending the scene of a nuisance party.

Associate VP of Students Sean Van Koughnett said the university doesn’t typically see big parties, but says it’s a good reminder.

McMaster University isn’t the only school to put these measures in place.

Both Laurier and the University of Waterloo are reminding students to celebrate responsibly this weekend and avoid letting parties get out of hand, after raging parties took place in nearby streets with thousands of people in attendance.

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