Halifax Police Shut Down 27 Parties and Make Arrests During Homecoming Weekend
Halifax Regional Police responded to nearly 900 calls over the weekend, focusing on Dalhousie University homecoming and the Magnetic World Music Festival. Officers shut down unsanctioned parties and made arrests, noting a decrease in severe incidents compared to 2022.
Halifax Regional Police (HRP) responded to 869 calls for service over the weekend, with operations primarily focused on two major events: Dalhousie University’s homecoming and the Magnetic World Music Festival.
In neighbourhoods surrounding Dalhousie University, officers shut down 27 unsanctioned parties. In connection with these gatherings, police issued 36 tickets under the Liquor Control Act. One specific incident involved a 19-year-old man who had his license suspended for seven days after operating an e-scooter while impaired and without wearing a helmet.
At the Magnetic World Music Festival, HRP arrested 11 people under the Liquor Control Act. The arrests were split between the two days of the event, with six individuals detained on Friday and five on Saturday.
Const. Martin Cromwell noted that the current incidents were less severe than those during the 2022 Dalhousie University Homecoming. According to Cromwell, the 2022 event resulted in 120 tickets, along with fights, bonfires, injuries, and a stabbing. He attributed the improvement this year to increased police presence and community engagement.
Dalhousie University did not respond to interview requests by the deadline, and the Dalhousie Student Union declined to comment.