McMaster University Homecoming has become synonymous with massive, disruptive street parties that have plagued Hamilton’s Westdale and Ainslie Wood neighbourhoods for over a decade.
The annual event has become a menace for nearby residents, and the City of Hamilton has faced costs in the tens of thousands of dollars each year for emergency services response and post-event clean-up.
In 2022, the City of Hamilton implemented a Nuisance Party By-law, which permits police and by-law officers to issue administrative penalty fines of between $500 and $25,000 against each participant involved in a nuisance party.
This did not prevent the “Biggest Party of the Year” (as McMaster University branded its Homecoming in 2017) from continuing to plague the neighbourhood.
Public urination, destruction of public trees, throwing of objects at police and by-law officials, and significant public intoxication have become common during the “unsanctioned” portion of the event.
Most infamously, in October 2021, McMaster students flipped a white Mazda vehicle on Dalewood Avenue South.
In 2024, the City secured a pre-emptive Superior Court injunction granting by-law enforcement the ability to prevent large gatherings. The injunction helped to decrease incidents.
It appears the City will once again seek an injunction. On Wednesday (September 10), City Council held a lengthy closed session that included discussion of “Injunctions for Unsanctioned Events” and gave confidential direction to staff.
However, immediately following the vote, Ward 1 Councillor Maureen Wilson and City Solicitor Lisa Shields held a private discussion in front of the Council Chamber.
McMaster University’s Homecoming is scheduled for next weekend (Saturday, September 20).
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v. 1.0.0
Published: September 13, 2025
Last updated: September 13, 2025
Author: Joey Coleman
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