Between 13,000 to 15,000 individuals attended this year’s unofficial homecoming celebrations in Guelph on September 26, as per police reports. The figures accounted for the crowd in the street vicinity of Chancellor’s Way near Stone Road Mall, not including the surrounding areas where the event spilled over.
According to a report presented to the Guelph Police Service board, there were around 550 calls made to the police that day, with a significant portion of 250 directly linked to the unauthorized gathering. The call volume surged by over 100% compared to the previous year’s homecoming.
During the homecoming, 11 criminal incidents were reported, leading to six arrests and approximately 70 provincial offense notices issued, mainly related to open alcohol consumption. The criminal occurrences included seven assaults, one weapons offense, a disturbance incident, and two cases of mischief.
Of the six arrests made, four were for public intoxication, one for assault, and another for causing a disturbance. The event incurred an estimated $91,000 in police response costs, with 88 police and civilian staff deployed.
Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie described this year’s gatherings as the most severe yet, highlighting the adverse impact on the community, including property damage to neighborhoods and businesses. The police report detailed property damage incidents, such as a transit bus shelter, two vehicles on Chancellor’s Way, and multiple local businesses.
Investigations are ongoing regarding an assault near the party venue, where two individuals were assaulted at a fast-food restaurant and subsequently hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The peak hourly call volume occurred at 2 p.m., with 31 incidents, averaging one incident every one minute and 56 seconds during that hour.
Following the chaotic events, a joint effort involving the City of Guelph, Guelph Police Service, University of Guelph, and Guelph General Hospital has established a homecoming working group to address and mitigate risks associated with future unsanctioned gatherings. The collaborative initiative aims to decrease the impact and risks linked to large unauthorized events, acknowledging the evolving influence of social media in amplifying event disruptions and safety concerns for all stakeholders.
