GUELPH – Last month, an unsanctioned homecoming celebration in Guelph, Ont., attracted as many as 15,000 attendees, according to a recent report. Managing the resulting disorder came with a hefty price tag of over $90,000 for police efforts.
A report shared with the Guelph Police Service Board on Thursday indicated that officers dealt with around 250 incidents related to the gathering on Chancellor’s Way near the University of Guelph on September 26.
This police operation involved roughly 88 officers and civilian personnel – alongside hundreds of hours of overtime – resulting in costs nearing $91,000.
During this event, law enforcement made six arrests and issued about 70 provincial offence notices that day, primarily concerning liquor violations.
<p Footage from the off-campus party depicted large crowds of young people filling the streets; some were seen throwing bottles and other items while police worked to manage the situation.
Authorities reported that officers also faced challenges with individuals climbing buildings and incidents of shoplifting and vandalism affecting local businesses.
Rene Van Acker, president of the University of Guelph, expressed concern over how the party endangered both students and neighbors and mentioned that the university is looking into what happened.
Earlier this month, Guelph police announced plans to create a “homecoming working group” aimed at handling large unauthorized gatherings more effectively in future instances. This group will include representatives from the city, University of Guelph, and Guelph General Hospital.
This report by The Canadian Press was first Oct. 16, 2026.
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