Halifax police ask Dalhousie University to play stronger role after violent gathering

The chief of Halifax Regional Police says Dalhousie University should have a “stronger role to play” in controlling unsanctioned events like the massive street party that turned violent Saturday.

In an Oct. 3 letter obtained by The Canadian Press, Chief Dan Kinsella urges university president Deep Saini to consider three specific steps in response to large gatherings that disrupt residential neighbourhoods near the school.

Kinsella says Dalhousie should either provide an appropriate space on campus or rent one off-site.

As well, the chief says the school should strengthen internal warnings to students and consider hiring extra police to conduct patrols.

Police believe up to 4,000 people gathered in area around Larch, Preston and Jennings streets Saturday night as part of an unsanctioned event related to the university's annual homecoming celebration.

“Participants were climbing poles and trees, and fireworks were being set off in the crowd, in some cases directed towards residences,” HRP said in a news release.

“Disturbances and fights were occurring within the large crowd.”

Several injured people were escorted out of the area, including a man who had been stabbed.

According to police, officers who tried to break up the crowd had bottles, cans and debris from the storm thrown at them.

“Along with being hit with projectiles, officers were punched, kicked and spit on,” HRP said. “Some officers required treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.”

Police said some of the partiers even used downed branches from the storm to light a fire in the street to derail the officers' efforts.

Several people were arrested and dozens of summary offence tickets were handed out.

Meanwhile the Halifax Regional Police Association said additional officers had to be called in from neighbouring districts to try and contain the thousands of students.

“This left significant areas of HRM with reduced police coverage,” said an email from the association's president Sgt. Dean Stienburg. RCMP were able to fill in some of those gaps.

“We assure you that the officers attending did everything in their power to control the situation however with the resources allocated it was impossible for our members to contain or shut it down.”

The association is calling on Halifax Regional Police management, municipal council and the university to address what it is a calling an “ever-growing problem.”

“This event continues to grow and has become a significant police and public safety issue,” Stienburg added. “Planning and  preparation needs to become much more robust to police this event.”

In a public statement released Sunday, Dalhousie's president and vice-chancellor said school officials plan to do an investigation “determine appropriate consequences” for those involved.

“We were very clear in all communications to our students that organizing and attending an unsanctioned and illegal street party is unacceptable given the direct, disturbing and inexcusable impacts on our community and families living close to campus,” Deep Saini stated.

“This high-risk and destructive behaviour showed a complete disregard for laws promoting the safety and well-being of our surrounding neighbourhoods.”

He added, he understands the why those living in the area are disappointed and angry. 

“Once again, you have been made to feel unsafe in your own home,” Saini said. “We stand beside you in our commitment to continue to confront toxic and unsafe party culture.”

“While this is a complex issue that will not be solved overnight, we will continue to address the urgency of the situation while we ensure this longer-term work is strong and supported.”