McMaster Homecoming party nuisance bylaw and safety initiative now in effect in Hamilton

A bylaw targeting McMaster University Homecoming parties is now in effect, allowing police to lay additional charges if they are called to a large party.

“Under the authority of the bylaw, Hamilton Police can issue an order for large social gatherings within our city to cease and disperse individuals not residing at a residence or property where a social gathering is taking place,” police said.

These charges carry potential fines for any attendee, host or property owner. The fines start at $10,000 for a first offence and can reach up to $25,000.

The bylaw defines “nuisance parties” as any social gathering featuring;

• Public disorderly conduct
• Public drunkenness or public intoxication
• The unlawful sale or distribution of alcohol or controlled substances
• Leaving garbage on public or private property
• Damage or destruction of public or private property
• Obstructing pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic, or obstruction that could interfere with the provision of emergency services
• Excessive noise including loud music, shouting
• Unlawful open burning or fireworks
• Public disturbances, including public brawls or public fights
• Outdoor public urination or defecation, and
• Using a roof not intended for such occupancy

“When our officers respond to these types of gathering it puts strain on our city and our partners such as, Hamilton Fire, Hamilton Paramedics, Hamilton Municipal Law Enforcement and Hamilton Public Works departments,” police said.

The city passed the bylaw in 2022 following a long line of disruptive parties in the University District. It pertains mostly to two major periods Homecoming weekend and St. Patrick’s Day. Hamilton joined several other University communities with similar bylaws including Brampton, Guelph, Kingston, and Waterloo.

“With the community in mind, the City of Hamilton, Hamilton Police Services and McMaster are working together to discourage large, unsanctioned events like street parties, that put students and community members at risk,” the University wrote at the time.

The bylaw is part of the larger  University District Safety Initiative in the neighbourhoods around the university. This year the initiative is in effect from Oct. 3 at 11:59 p.m. to Oct. 6 at 11:59 p.m.

“During this specified operational time, the University District Safety Initiative will be subject to zero-tolerance enforcement of the Nuisance Party Bylaw to minimize negative effects of ongoing nuisance party and to ensure those involved are held accountable,” police said.

The resident can report nuisance parties at 905-546-2782 or [email protected]. For after-hours, urgent complaints that are an immediate health and safety concern call 905-546-2489.