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Hamilton Police and community partners are releasing enforcement results after a series of unsanctioned street parties in the Westdale and Ainslie Woods neighbourhoods on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
In addition to police, Hamilton Fire, Hamilton Paramedics, By-law Officers 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 6,000-7,000 people gathered in the Westdale and Ainslie Woods neighbourhoods at its peak.
The unsanctioned gathering resulted in 43 calls for service, two arrests, and a total of 3 provincial offence notices were issued. In addition, Hamilton Paramedic Service responded to 21 calls for service and 13 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, three individuals were charged under the Nuisance Party By-law.
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“Collaborating with McMaster University, the City and other first responders enabled us to effectively reduce the negative impact of unauthorized street gatherings. Public Safety in our community is a shared responsibility.”
Superintendent Robin Abbott, Hamilton Police Service