The University of Guelph president expressed concern over a large, unauthorized homecoming party that took place off campus last weekend, putting the safety of both students and neighbors at risk. Rene Van Acker revealed that individuals not affiliated with the university were also involved in disruptive activities, causing property damage and disturbances.
According to Guelph police, the event on Saturday exceeded previous years’ gatherings in size, leading to various incidents such as objects being thrown, individuals scaling buildings, and instances of shoplifting and vandalism at local businesses. Law enforcement took action by laying multiple criminal and alcohol-related charges, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
Van Acker conveyed the university’s disappointment regarding the incident and emphasized their commitment to preventing such occurrences in the future. The university expressed gratitude towards first responders, Guelph General Hospital, and city personnel for their swift response during the weekend.
Police are currently examining reports, videos, and other evidence related to the incidents to potentially add more charges. This incident underscores the challenges faced by university towns like Guelph in managing rowdy off-campus gatherings, especially during the fall season.
In a similar vein, Carleton University in Ottawa is gearing up for the annual Panda Game against the University of Ottawa football teams, acknowledging the potential impact of the event on nearby communities. Past post-game incidents, including car flipping and street sign theft, have resulted in injuries requiring hospitalization.
