Ontario Students Who Go To Homecoming Parties This Weekend Will Be Slammed With $880 Fines

One city in Ontario has a plan for the Homecoming season. Waterloo has put a public nuisance noise bylaw into effect this weekend to stop student partying. Waterloo party fines will cost attendees $880, while organizers could get ticketed a minimum of $10,000. 

The City of Waterloo announced on its website that the noise bylaw will be in place from September 25 to 27. 

The move is being made to discourage large gatherings during a season that's traditionally full of socializing and meeting others. 

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A statement from Laurier University informs students that they could get fined $750 if they attend any indoor gathering of more than 10 or a function of 25 or more people outdoors. With surcharges, this comes out to $880. 

However, the bylaw isn't only in effect for house parties, but also for "unsanctioned public gatherings, (particularly large crowds) that congregate on roadways," it says.

According to the website, the noise bylaw has been put into place on other notable party dates, such as St. Patrick's day.

Although Laurier University has virtual festivities planned, the bylaw enforcement is an extra step that authorities are taking to keep the community safe. 

The noise bylaw will be deterring people from blasting music on the street, which is said to attract crowds. 

Now that Ontario has reduced private social gathering limits, authorities are pulling out all the stops to make sure that parties don't happen this weekend.

"In the past, during these events, loud music has been played which tends to draw large groups of people. This special nuisance bylaw is designed to discourage that from happening," says the City page. 

Waterloo Public Health also specifically posted about Homecoming festivities, with tips on how to stay safe during the season. 

They are reminding everyone of the high risk associated with concerts, parties, crowded bars, new sexual activity, and handshaking.

The move comes after three people were fined for hosting a 100 person house party in Waterloo near Wilfrid Laurier University earlier this month. 

On Monday, it was reported that four students at Laurier had tested positive for COVID-19 and are now in quarantine. 

Other universities have also been taking matters into their own hands in an attempt to discourage student partying. 

Queen's recently announced that their students could face expulsion if they are caught meeting up at large functions.