The McMaster Students Union (MSU) and Student Affairs are reintroducing a day of Homecoming events this year, aimed primarily at students as a welcome back to campus.  

As students get ready to enjoy Homecoming events on campus this Saturday October 5, McMaster University is collaborating with the City of Hamilton and Hamilton Police Service to share information on how to stay safe and be respectful to surrounding neighbourhoods. 

Avoid fines and stay on campus

“The MSU have been great partners in planning a day that has something for all students, where you can enjoy being on campus with your peers in a safe environment,” says Sean Van Koughnett, associate vice-president, students and learning, and dean of students. “By taking care of yourself, your friends, our campus and our neighbouring communities, we’ll make this day a positive one that we can build on in the years to come.”  

By remaining at on-campus events, students can also avoid large fines of up to $10,000 that could come from attending a street party under the City of Hamilton’s Nuisance Party bylaw.  In addition, a University District Safety Initiative has been declared from Thursday, October 3, at 11:59 p.m. through Sunday, October 6, creating a zero-tolerance zone for bylaw infractions in the neighbourhoods around the university.  

On Thursday, October 3, the City was granted an injunction order by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Anyone found to be violating the Nuisance Party bylaw within the neighbourhoods included under the University District Safety Initiative, would also be contravening the court order, which could carry additional consequences.

“This injunction is about proactively strengthening the Nuisance Party By-law to ensure our Municipal By-Law Enforcement officers and Hamilton Police Service have another tool to protect the health and safety of all residents,” said Kim Coombs, Manager, Enforcement, Licensing and By-Law Services Division, City of Hamilton. “We know Homecoming is an enjoyable time for students – past and present – and many community members, but it’s important that participants are responsible hosts, respectful guests, and good neighbours this weekend.”

McMaster is reaching out to students in multiple ways to make sure they are informed about the City of Hamilton bylaw, the zero-tolerance zone and about being a good neighbour. This includes the above video message from the dean of students and the MSU President, as well as social media posts, on-campus signage and communications within student residences across campus.  

“Unsanctioned street gatherings place an unnecessary burden on our emergency services, strain our healthcare system, and create serious safety risks for both participants and the community,” says Hamilton Police Superintendent Robin Abbott. “Our priority is always to ensure the well-being of everyone involved, and these gatherings jeopardize that commitment.”

Students can learn more about the City of Hamilton’s nuisance party by-law and zero tolerance zone here.

Staying safe this weekend

In addition to avoiding street parties, students can stay safe by reviewing the resources and tips below. 

McMaster resources

• Download the McMaster SafetyApp for safety alerts, such as campus closures and emergency instructions. The app is free to download at the Apple and Android app stores. 
• If you need help, contact Campus Safety Services: 
  • Call 905-522-4135  
  • Use direct line inside any elevator on campus 
  • Use “Red Rocket” emergency phones located throughout the campus 
  • Dial “Security Button” via on-campus pay phones at no charge 
• The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) at McMaster offers support, including drop-in hours every Tuesday from 12-2 p.m. in University Hall, room 104. 

Off-campus resources

• Sexual Assault Centre (Hamilton and Area) SACHA offers a 24-hour support line at 905-525-4162 
• Text with 9-1-1: https://www.textwith911.ca/en/home/

Safety tips for students

• Carry identification (student ID) this Homecoming weekend to access events 
• Stay in groups: Sticking with a group of trusted friends allows you to look out for each other and contact help if needed. 
• Keep your phone on you at all times: Always have your phone charged and with you so you can call someone for help if needed. 
• Find a safe way home: Have the number of a taxi company in your phone or know how to use ride-share apps to get home. 
• If you choose to drink alcohol, alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and don’t drink on an empty stomach.  
• If you choose to use cannabis, avoid deep inhalation and holding your breath when smoking, and don’t use any other substances at same time (including alcohol) as this will increase your impairment.  

More information on the McMaster Student Wellness Centre website.