Hamilton Police Service (HPS) is advising residents who live in neighbourhoods near McMaster University there will be a significant police presence Saturday in anticipation of 'unsanctioned' homecoming celebrations.
Hamilton Police Service is advising residents who live in neighbourhoods near McMaster University there will be a significant police presence Saturday in anticipation of "unsanctioned" homecoming celebrations., HPS said residents of Ainslie Woods and Westdale neighbourhoods “can expect a significant police presence on [Oct. 1] to address an unsanctioned street gathering planned to celebrate homecoming.
“In addition to fines and penalties, people who conduct or host nuisance parties may be liable for remedial costs for fees from first responders, and/or, municipal law enforcement officers and City of Hamilton for attending the scene,” the release said. Officials at McMaster have made it clear that any street events in the area are unsanctioned and have "no ties" to the institution.
"Even though there are no homecoming events [planned] at the university, Hamilton could still be the focus for some street events, which, in the past, have been organized and promoted by people with no connection to the university," the school said in"McMaster does not support these types of activities and actively works with community partners to try and dissuade students from attending street parties which can also attract large numbers of people from outside of the city.
McMaster President David Farrar called last year’s event “reckless and destruction” in a statement issued following the incident.