Guelph homecoming party cost police $91,000

Up to 15,000 people packed Chancellor's Way near the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario, on Sept 26 for an unsanctioned homecoming party. Partygoers threw bottles and debris, and police deployed tactical officers to restore order.

Guelph police recorded about 550 incidents across the city that day, about 250 of them tied to homecoming. An average September Saturday brings about 250.

What the report counts

• 11 criminal incidents, including 7 assaults
• 6 arrests
• About 70 provincial offence notices

A report to the Guelph Police Service Board lists 11 criminal incidents, including seven assaults, plus six arrests and about 70 provincial offence notices, mostly for open liquor.

Cost of policing homecoming

91,000 $

About 88 police and civilian members worked the event, logging 874.5 overtime hours, for a total cost of about $91,000.

What's next

The investigation continues and more charges are expected. Police are forming a working group with the city, the university and Guelph General Hospital to manage large unsanctioned gatherings.