HOCO

Hamilton Police and community partners are releasing enforcement results after a series of unsanctioned street parties in the Westdale and Ainslie Woods neighbourhoods on September 30, 2023. 

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

There were approximately between 8,000-9,000 people gathered in the Westdale and Ainslie Woods neighbourhoods at its peak.

The unsanctioned gathering resulted in 49 calls for service, five arrests, and a total of 10  provincial offence notices were issued. In addition, Hamilton Paramedic Service responded to 10 calls for service and two individuals were transported for public intoxication. 

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, damage or destruction of property, public drunkenness or disorderly conduct or several other factors. It is a contravention of the bylaw to host, attend, permit, continue or refuse to leave an area, once it has been declared a nuisance.

In total, five individuals were charged under the Nuisance Party By-law.

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"Joining forces with the City, McMaster University, and our first responder partners allowed us to mitigate the adverse effects of unauthorized street gatherings. Ensuring the safety and well-being of the community is a collective responsibility."

Superintendent Dave Hennick, Hamilton Police Service

“Thanks to the planning and collaboration between the City, Hamilton Police Service and McMaster University, our teams were able to safely manage crowds in the Westdale and Ainslie neighbourhoods this weekend. The City-wide Nuisance Party By-law continues to be an effective tool for our teams to ensure the safety of the community and to hold individuals accountable for attending or hosting nuisance parties.”

Dan Smith, Acting Director, Licensing and Bylaw Services