It says police responded to approximately 550 incidents across Guelph that Saturday, including about 250 directly related to homecoming.
That’s more than double the roughly 250 incidents police typically handle on a Saturday.
The report says the police response involved approximately 88 officers and civilian members – and hundreds of hours of overtime – with the cost totalling about $91,000.
It says police made six arrests during the event, including four for public intoxication, one for assault and one for causing a disturbance.
About 70 provincial offence notices were also issued that day, mostly liquor-related, the report says.
Videos from the off-campus homecoming party showed massive crowds of young people in the streets, with some throwing bottles and other objects as police officers tried to control the situation. Police said officers were also dealing with people climbing buildings, as well as shoplifting and vandalism at nearby businesses.
University of Guelph president Rene Van Acker said the party risked the safety of students and neighbours and the university was reviewing the incident.
Guelph police said earlier this month that they're establishing a "homecoming working group" to manage large unsanctioned gatherings in the future. The group includes the city, the University of Guelph and Guelph General Hospital.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 16, 2026.
Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
