Hamilton police increase presence around McMaster this weekend for St. Patrick’s Day

Hamilton police will have an increased presence around McMaster University this weekend to discourage any disruptive behaviour" as St. Patrick's Day parties get underway.

The increased police patrols come as the city enforces its nuisance party bylaw for the second time in less than a year. It was first implemented this past fall, not long after it was approved by city council.

The bylaw was spurred by a 2021 street party that saw thousands of students fill the streets around the school for a fake homecoming celebration that ended with a car being destroyed and a number of charges being laid.

As part of that enforcement, the University District Safety Initiative, which covers the western sections of both the Westdale and Dalewood neighbourhoods, went into effect Friday morning and will remain in place until end of day Sunday, according to police.

That initiative means those areas will be subject to zero-tolerance enforcement to minimize negative effects of ongoing nuisance parties and ensuring those involved are held accountable," according to police.

Under the bylaw, individuals could face fines that range from $500 to $10,000 for a first offence, with a maximum fine of $25,000 for subsequent offences.

Police told The Spectator there will also be RIDE programs operating throughout the weekend, reminding those that are choosing to consume alcohol to plan ahead by ensuring they have a designated driver.

Officials from Mac are also encouraging students to stay safe, be good neighbours and avoid fines associated with disruptive parties," according to a statement posted on their website on March 13.

While socializing with friends, avoid the extremely high risks associated with large or disruptive gatherings," said Sean Van Koughnett, associate vice-president and dean of students.

Fallon Hewitt is a reporter at The Spectator. fhewitt@thespec.com