Westdale and Ainslie Woods residents can expect a significant police presence on Saturday, October 1, 2022, to address a planned large unsanctioned street gathering .

Last year, up to 5,000 people gathered in the Westdale and Ainslie Woods neighbourhoods that resulted in property damage and several charges.

“Unsanctioned street gatherings are unsafe and result in unnecessary demands on all of our emergency services, including our hospitals,” says Superintendent Dave Hennick. “They are disruptive to the community and pose significant safety risks to those in attendance.”

In addition to police, Hamilton Fire, Hamilton Paramedics, By-law Officers, Parking enforcement officials and Special Constables from McMaster Security have all enhanced their staffing and presence to help keep the community and its residents safe.

Hamilton Police encourage everyone in the City of Hamilton to act as responsible citizens, be respectful of the community and not attend these unsanctioned gatherings.

Recently, the City of Hamilton passed a Nuisance Party Bylaw to address large unsanctioned gatherings that are or could become a public nuisance resulting in unreasonable noise, loud music, shouting, littering, damage or destruction or property, public drunkenness or disorderly conduct or several other factors. The bylaw makes it illegal to host, attend, permit, continue or refuse to leave an area, once it has been declared a nuisance.

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 provincial Liquor Licence and Control Act also makes it an offence to be intoxicated in a public place or in common areas of residences with persons occupying more than one dwelling, such as an apartment building.

Please contact the Hamilton Police Service non-emergency line at 905-546-4925 with any reports of nuisance parties, open alcohol or any other ongoing issues requiring police assistance.

Members of the public wishing to report loud parties and noise complaints are requested to call Hamilton Bylaw at (905) 546-2782 or after hours at 905-546-2489.