City of Waterloo, local universities warn students against large homecoming parties

The City of Waterloo and local universities want to remind students to follow public health guidelines and avoid large gatherings during homecoming celebrations this week.

Homecoming 2021 at Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) started Wednesday with several virtual events planned into the weekend.

The University of Waterloo (UW) is not having any homecoming virtual events this year, but will have some virtual events for the school alumni's Black and Gold Day this weekend.

The annual football game between UW and WLU will be live streamed on Saturday, starting at 1 p.m. ET.

"We know you're excited to finally be able to meet classmates and get to know our city, but we know that large gatherings are a proven hotspot for the spread of COVID-19, even with vaccination," Waterloo MayorDave Jaworskysaid in an open letter to students.

"We need to follow public health directions, so if you're going to socialize and get together with friends during Homecoming, do it in small groups that follow the public health rules."

The city said it will crack down on unsanctioned public gatheringsfor homecoming with a noise provision usually reserved for St. Patrick's Day parties in March. The bylaw wasimplemented to address concerns around large and noisy gatherings.

Staying safe

WLU said students have received safety reminders and messagesleading up to homecoming and it will continue to communicate those messages throughout the week. Ithas alsosharedtips on personal safety.

The university also initiated itsbystander training program this week, a program that educatesstudents and staff on issues like consent, gendered and sexual violence, as well as bystander intervention, saidDawn McDermott,senior advisor for human rights and conflicts management at Laurier.

"It's really about making people aware that there are critical moments where you can get involved and make a substantial difference," she said.

"This is a real issue and Western's experience is highlighting the incredible amount of sexual violence that occurs on campus and in our communities."

McDermott is strongly encouraging students to look out for one another and if something doesn't feel right, to call it out.

WLU adds that all student leaders, which includeresidence dons, have also receiveddisclosure training on the university's prevention of sexual violence policy and procedures.

First-year students also receive a presentation during orientation week as well to learn about the role of the sexual violence resource co-ordinator and how to access support.

People attending gatherings could face fines, expulsion

Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS)said in an email to CBC News it has an operational plan in place and there will be enhanced policepresence in the area to ensure people are following the rules.

Anyone attending an illegal gathering could get a ticket, including those responsible for the property, such as tenants and organizers, the city said in a release.

"Pandemic-related charges can be in and around$800 per person," said Nicole Papke, director of municipal enforcement services for the city.

"Those organizing a party could potentially face higher charges of close to just over $1,000."

Those identified could also face suspension or expulsion from their post-secondary institution.

Between Aug.24 and Sept. 20, City of Waterloo bylaw laid26 noise charges and 11 charges under Reopening Ontario Act. Meanwhile WRPSlaid108 charges under the Liquour Licence Act and 91 charges under the Highway Traffic Act.