6,000 people gather for “nuisance party” at McMaster Homecoming in Hamilton: Police

Thousands of people reportedly gathered this afternoon in Hamilton’s Westdale neighbourhood despite a Nuisance Party By-law and injunction under the University District Safety Initiative, raising concerns among local authorities.

Shortly after 4:30 p.m., Hamilton Police issued a Nuisance Party declaration in response to the crowd, estimated at over six thousand people. The declaration comes as part of the city’s broader efforts to manage unsanctioned gatherings, including McMaster University’s Homecoming this weekend.

This announcement followed several earlier posts by Hamilton Police on X (formerly Twitter). At around 1 p.m., police informed the public that a Remote Piloted Aerial System would be flying in the area to monitor the situation from the air.

The @HamiltonPolice RPAS will be flying in the area of#Westdale in #HamOnt during McMaster Homecoming. pic.twitter.com/1vfk3Br2ak

— Hamilton Police (@HamiltonPolice) October 5, 2024

Additionally, police warned drivers that Dalewood Avenue between Haddon Avenue South and Main Street West, along with connecting roads, would be closed to vehicle traffic due to the large crowd.

🚧 Attention #HamOnt! 🚗

If you’re traveling in #Westdale today, Dalewood Avenue between Haddon Ave S and Main St W, plus all roads leading to it, will remain closed to vehicle traffic.

Plan ahead and take alternative routes for your travels! #TrafficAlert #PlanAhead

— Hamilton Police (@HamiltonPolice) October 5, 2024

Police remind residents and attendees that an injunction issued by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice took effect on Oct. 3 and remains in place until Oct. 7. It restricts participation in unsanctioned street parties, particularly during events like Homecoming and St. Patrick’s Day in the Westdale and Ainslie Wood areas, with heavy fines and penalties for violations.

The city has noted that large gatherings during these times have historically placed significant strain on services, including police, firefighters, paramedics and Municipal Law Enforcement.

This legal measure aims to maintain community safety and prevent disruptions caused by large gatherings. Individuals are also prohibited from planning, promoting or attending events classified as “Nuisance Parties.”

According to Hamilton.ca, violations can result in fines of up to $10,000 for a first offence and $25,000 for repeat offences. The City of Hamilton is also authorized to recover costs incurred by police and emergency services from party organizers.

McMaster University’s official Homecoming events, organized by the university and its Students Union, are exempt from the injunction. However, gatherings outside these official events, particularly those on public streets, are subject to enforcement, as outlined in the by-law.

Hamilton Police are closely monitoring the situation and will continue enforcement throughout the weekend. Authorities urge attendees to follow the rules, warning that non-compliance could result in hefty fines and even contempt of court charges.

As of Saturday, police have not reported any arrests or charges.

Residents can report nuisance parties or noise infractions to the City’s Licensing & By-law Services Division at 905-546-2782 or by emailing [email protected]. For urgent, after-hours complaints posing immediate safety concerns, call 911.

More information on the fines and enforcement measures under the Nuisance Party By-law can be found on the City of Hamilton’s website here.