As many as 15,000 people gathered on a Guelph street during an unsanctioned Homecoming party last month, prompting a police response that cost approximately $91,000 in total, according to new figures. A report presented to the Guelph Police Service Board on Thursday details the scale of the Sept. 26 gathering on Chancellor’s Way. Police responded to approximately 550 incidents across Guelph that Saturday, including about 250 directly related to Homecoming. That’s more than double the roughly 250 incidents police typically handle on a Saturday. At the busiest point of the day, officers recorded 31 incidents in a single hour — an average of one every minute and 56 seconds. The estimate of 13,000 to 15,000 people at the gathering covers a section of Chancellor’s Way east of Edinburgh Road. Police said the unsanctioned party extended beyond that area. Six arrests, 11 criminal occurrences Police made six arrests during the event, including four for public intoxication, one for assault and one for causing a disturbance. The report also lists 11 criminal occurrences connected to homecoming. Seven involved assaults, while the remaining incidents included an offensive weapons occurrence, disturbing the peace and two cases of mischief involving public property and a vehicle. Approximately 70 provincial offence notices were issued, most related to open liquor. The aftermath also included reports of damage to a Guelph Transit bus shelter, two vehicles on Chancellor’s Way and other personal property. Several businesses in the area have filed complaints that remain under investigation. Police have released images of people they believe may have been involved in some of the incidents. Investigators are still reviewing footage and additional charges are anticipated. Guelph Police Chief Gord Cobey warned that those responsible for criminal behaviour could still be identified. “Anonymity within a crowd does not place you beyond accountability,” Cobey said in the board meeting. “Anyone involved should expect to be contacted by our investigators.” Cobey also emphasized that most people at Homecoming celebrated responsibly and should not be judged by the actions of a smaller number of individuals. Police promise stronger presence at future events The police response involved approximately 88 officers and civilian members and generated 874.5 hours of overtime. The total cost was approximately $91,000. The University of Guelph has contributed funding to support the deployment of 22 officers. In the wake of the gathering, police, university, city and hospital officials are working together to create plans that would reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future. The four organizations have agreed to establish a Homecoming working group to review how large, unsanctioned gatherings are managed, including prevention, communications and emergency response. Cobey said people can expect a “significantly enhanced public-safety presence” at future events of this nature, although specific measures have not yet been announced. In a statement to CTV News, a University of Guelph spokesperson said the police report will help the organizations better understand what happened and identify where their joint efforts can be strengthened. The partners said their goal is to keep future Homecoming celebrations safe while limiting the impact on neighbourhoods, businesses and emergency services.
