Hamilton granted injunction order ahead of McMaster Homecoming weekend

As one of McMaster University’s biggest weekends approaches, the City of Hamilton has been granted an injunction order to curb “nuisance parties.”

The Ontario Superior Court of Justice granted the City of Hamilton’s request for an injunction order Wednesday, ahead of McMaster’s Homecoming weekend.

The injunction order will be in effect from Friday at 12:01 a.m. until Monday at 11:59 p.m.

The order will see municipal law enforcement staff and Hamilton police officers enforce Hamilton’s Nuisance Party By-law within the “University District” around McMaster, as part of the city’s University District Safety Initiative (UDSI).

The UDSI will go into effect a day earlier on Thursday at 11:59 p.m. until Monday at 11:59 p.m.

A “nuisance party” refers to events that the city views as “unsafe” or “disruptive”, and will not affect or apply to McMaster University official and sanctioned on-campus activities, which will be held on Saturday.

READ MORE: 3 charged after thousands attend unsanctioned gathering at homecoming

The University District encompasses the western section of the Westdale neighbourhood, and the Ainslie Wood neighbourhood.

Anyone who violates the order could be hit with fines, penalties, or charges. A first offense fine could be up to $10,000, and a secondary fine up to $25,000.

“This injunction provides us with additional tools, which strengthen our enforcement measures, should they be required,” said Dan Smith, the director of the city’s Licensing and By-Law Services Division, in a statement.

“Homecoming is an exciting time for students – past and present – and many community members. We want to see participants be responsible hosts, respectful guests, and good neighbours this weekend.”

Last year, three people were charged after over 6,000 people attended a street party.

The year before that, officers arrested five people and issued 10 provincial offence notices, after over 8,000 people attended a homecoming party.

WATCH MORE: Nuisance party declared after thousands gather for McMaster homecoming