McMaster University expects large crowds for unsanctioned homecoming events

Hamilton police and McMaster University officials are expecting large crowds again this year for unsanctioned homecoming events.

If what’s happened at other schools so far this year continues, tomorrow’s gathering could be one of the biggest yet.

Last year, keeping the crowd under control took hundreds of police officers from a couple of detachments, and then later at night a second crowd gathered, and the students got violent throwing bottles and other things at police officers.

Hamilton police Superintendent David Hennick says, “I don’t want students to attend these unsanctioned events. People live and raise families in these communities. We’ve seen a lot of bad behavior that causes people to fear for their safety while they’re in their home.”

Police say the unsanctioned parties in other cities this year have been large.

Last year, the price tag for policing was over $130,000, but this year, because Saturday is also a statutory holiday, that bill will be significantly higher.

More than 6,000 people attended last year’s street party near McMaster University. 9 people were arrested and 13 people were taken to the hospital mostly for alcohol-related issues.