McMaster University thanks our partners, the Hamilton Police Service and the City of Hamilton, for their comprehensive approach to managing unsanctioned street parties near campus this weekend.
“We appreciate the tremendous efforts made by our emergency partners,” said McMaster President David Farrar. “Months of working together and detailed planning have helped keep the neighbourhoods around the university as safe as possible during the large and unsanctioned street parties this weekend. The university will continue to work with city agencies as they keep our community safe.”
The university supported the creation and implementation of Hamilton’s new Nuisance Party bylaw, which was enacted two times on Saturday, giving authorities added ability to clear street parties and lay substantial fines for those who break the law.
“The university, city and the police have been driving home the message that safety and our community matter, that people should not attend street or other large parties, and that those who choose to attend an illegal party have to understand the potential consequences,” Farrar said.
“Most of our students took this resounding message seriously. Universities across the country are facing similar challenges, and we will continue to work collaboratively to find solutions to these parties that attract a wide range of people to Hamilton.”
The McMaster Students Union (MSU) and volunteer students from the Maroons, Zero Waste McMaster and others were out in the neighbourhood Sunday morning helping to clean up garbage and debris from the street parties. The MSU has played an important role in getting the message out to students and has also partnered with the university in its Be a Good Neighbour campaign that launched this summer and will continue throughout the term.
“This is our home, and we’re committed to keeping it safe and clean for all of us and our neighbours,” said MSU President Simranjeet (Sim) Singh. “We encourage all McMaster students to join us in being responsible and good neighbours throughout the year.”