McMaster University, City of Hamilton prepare for St. Patrick’s Day

McMaster University and the City of Hamilton are teaming up to keep students and people who live near the university safe as they implement a zero-tolerance zone for St. Patrick’s Day weekend.

St. Patrick’s Day is on Sunday, Mar. 17 but the university says this safety initiative will be in place just before midnight on Thursday.

That means the nuisance party bylaw can be used leading up to St. Patrick’s Day, and anyone attending a disruptive party could face large fines. 

Sean Van Koughett McMaster’s Dean of Students says, “none of us want to see students faced with hefty fines.”

Dean Koughett says St. Patrick’s Day has not been a time for large street parties, but the “zero tolerance zone” is implemented by the city as a safety precaution. 

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“Our role right now is to remind students of the need to be respectful of our neighbours and also to remind them of these initiatives by the city,” and the campus has been sharing messages about being a good neighbour says Dean Koughnett.

“We just want them to keep things as respectful as possible and be aware of those fines that they could be faced with if things get out of control,” says Dean Koughnett. 

Students on campus say they are still excited for St. Patrick’s Day despite the nuisance bylaw. 

Some students of the university say they think it makes sense for the precautions on safety but they also don’t think students are getting too out of hand, saying they agree with the safety as long as it doesn’t impact the student’s ability to have fun.

In September, thousands of students gathered in the Westdale and Ainslie Woods neighbourhoods for unsanctioned parties. 

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Police say it resulted in five arrests and 10 provincial offence notices were issued during the unofficial homecoming celebrations. 

Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada (MADD) says people shouldn’t rely on luck to get home safely if they are consuming drugs or alcohol. 

Steve Sullivan, MADD Canada Chief Executive Officer says, “the simplest message is plan ahead, have fun and you don’t have to worry about it.” 

MADD Canada’s latest statistics show that more than 78,000 federal charges and provincial short-term suspensions are laid for impaired driving annually. 

“Even though there’s been progress in terms of alcohol-impaired driving at least the numbers are still way too high and for most of us there’s no good excuse there are so many options for us right now that there is no reason for us to want to risk that,” says Sullivan, MADD Canada Chief Executive Officer. 

The rules in Hamilton take effect just before midnight and CHCH News will follow the story throughout the weekend and provide updates.