McMaster prepares for Homecoming as officers prepare for nuisance parties

This weekend is Homecoming weekend for McMaster University, and that means many students are getting ready for a party.

The homecoming celebrations are a big tradition, which sees thousands of people fill the streets near campus.

But the city doesn’t want the parties to be an issue, so it has been granted an anti-nuisance party injunction.

At McMaster, the Marauders football players are looking forward to Saturday’s game, and others are looking forward to the celebration that goes along with it.

In preparation for the festivities, the City of Hamilton has awarded an injunction order.

That means if police deem a party in the neighbourhoods that surround the university a nuisance, those involved could be fined.

“We’re not trying to limit their ability to enjoy the events,” said Dan Smith, the acting director of Licensing and By-law Services in Hamilton. “Gather responsibly. What we’re trying to do is set things in place so things don’t get out of hand.”

The fines could be up to $10,000 for the first offence, and a secondary fine of up to $25,000.

The by-law comes after previous years when partying got out of hand.

Hamilton police say many officers will be in the area, and they will be monitoring.

“That’s public intoxication, destruction of property, excessive loud music, fights, or any kind of excessive refuse of garbage on public or private areas,” said Insp. Jim Callender with the Hamilton police. “The use of a roof that’s not intended for that purpose.”

Over the years during homecoming weekend, Dalewood Avenue has been the epicentre of the partying, being completely packed with students.

There are signs posted along the street warning drivers that if they park their car there, their vehicles will be towed away.

Other signs say police will be video surveilling the area.

One person who lives in the area told CHCH News that he doesn’t mind if people come out to party, he just wanted them to be respectful of his property.

“Mainly, respect the properties and quit coming up here and saying ‘can I use your washroom’ — that really irritates me,” said that person. “Why would I let anybody in my house? They’ve actually dropped their drawers and peed in front of everybody.”

The nuisance party by-law injunction went into effect Friday morning at 12:01 a.m. and will end Monday at 11:59 p.m.

READ MORE: Hamilton granted injunction order ahead of McMaster Homecoming weekend