An estimated 7,500 people attended Wilfrid Laurier University’s Homecoming celebrations in Waterloo last month, with Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) laying 96 charges and making six arrests, according to a report presented to the police services board. The Sept. 26 event cost approximately $137,080 to police, including more than $68,000 in overtime expenses. Despite the number of people attending, police reported no large unsanctioned street gatherings in the Marshall Street and Regina Street area this year. The area used to be a hotbed for rowdy behaviour. WRPS Deputy Chief Jen Davis told the board that the largest crowd was likely around 3,700 people leaving a football game. “There were no crowds anywhere,” Davis said, referring to large gatherings of the kind seen during other student celebrations. The estimated attendance include people at various Homecoming events throughout the day and was not limited to those in the surrounding student neighbourhoods. 96 charges laid during Homecoming WRPS responded to 148 Homecoming-related occurrences across the Ezra area, surrounding student neighbourhoods and Uptown Waterloo’s entertainment district. Twelve of those incidents stemmed from calls from members of the public. Police generated the other 92 per cent of occurrences through their own activities. The 96 charges laid represent a slight decrease from the 104 recorded in 2025. Of this year’s charges, 53 were under the Highway Traffic Act or Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act, while 35 were under the Liquor Licence Act. Seven charges involved Criminal Code offences or the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and one was under the Cannabis Control Act. Police reported six arrests, compared with five last year. Four charges related to Criminal Code offences, including assault, a weapons offence, impaired driving and failure to comply. One arrest involved a warrant that predated Homecoming and was unrelated to the event. Another was for a provincial offence. The total number of charges, arrests and calls for service remains well below 2019 levels, when police recorded 330 charges, 17 arrests and 115 calls for service. Homecoming policing cost more than $137,000 The report breaks down the estimated $137,080 cost of policing Homecoming as follows: The Niagara Regional Police Service provided support through its Public Order Unit, joining Waterloo Regional Police and other emergency services in the event response. Davis said Laurier also contributes resources to Homecoming, including fencing and its own special constables. She said police review their operational plans each year and consider whether staffing levels can be adjusted based on patterns in attendance, incidents and engagement with students. “Every time we have an event like this, we evaluate our response,” Davis told the board. The report said planning involves Waterloo Regional Police, the City of Waterloo’s Municipal Enforcement Services, Waterloo Fire Rescue, Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services and Laurier. Police already planning for St. Patrick’s Day Board members also asked how lessons from Homecoming would inform the police response to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in March, which have previously involved large unsanctioned gatherings. Davis said there is an important distinction between the two events because Homecoming is organized and sanctioned, with the university and community partners involved in planning. Police continue to work with the city, universities and emergency service partners ahead of both events, she said. Meetings with university leaders are also planned as part of preparations for future student gatherings.
