Media Releases

Dalhousie University and Halifax Regional Police have put in place a multi-initiative plan ahead of Dalhousie’s homecoming weekend (September 27 – 30) to encourage safe and responsible off-campus student behaviour. The partnership focuses on an enhanced community police presence and community outreach, and will complement student education initiatives and on-campus homecoming events.

Homecoming is an opportunity to reflect true Dalhousie spirit, and bring together students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the community to show pride in the university. Celebrations must be safe and respectful of the broader community that the university calls home.

Campus Events and Education Efforts
Alumni and students are encouraged to attend the many on-campus Homecoming 2018 events offered: faculty celebrations, the annual President’s Fun Run/Walk, Dalhousie Tigers games, and the Dalhousie Student Union’s Black and Gold Festival on the Studley campus quad on Saturday, Sept 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event features food trucks, games, a 19+ licensed tent and music by The Mellotones.

Efforts have also been underway to encourage students to familiarize themselves with all municipal and provincial laws, and to ensure they are aware of their rights and responsibilities as citizens when off-campus. In addition, a number of health promotion and education initiatives are in place to raise awareness of the University’s harm reduction strategies and policies during this high-risk time.

Designated Police Patrol and Home Visits
On weekends throughout September, October and November, Dalhousie’s Designated Police Patrol—an enhanced police presence in the community funded by the university—will monitor and respond to community concerns in neighbourhoods adjacent to the university. Designated Police Patrol has been in place for 13 years, and this year will include additional resources, expanded hours, and a proactive approach to managing concerns in the community.

Halifax Regional Police and Dalhousie officials are also conducting home visits to households in the area. This outreach effort reminds tenants of all applicable municipal and provincial laws, potential fines and criminal charges that could arise from violations. Halifax Regional Police officers will be following up on any complaints related to offences such as liquor offences, noise complaints, mischief and other public safety issues that affect residents’ quality of life.

To make a noise complaint that is in-progress, or to report an incident that requires an officer to come to the scene, community members are encouraged to contact Halifax Regional Police non-emergency dispatch at 902-490-5020. For emergency situations, if someone’s life or property is in immediate danger, call 911. For questions or concerns regarding by-law enforcement, contact HRM by-law standards at 311.

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QUOTES

“With an increased police presence and community outreach initiatives, our focus is on creating a safe and welcoming environment for neighbours and citizens. It’s everyone’s responsibility to contribute positively to the safety and quality-of-life in our community. That’s why it’s important to be aware of your actions, to take pride in the community and be educated on offences and potential repercussions.”
- Inspector Dean Simmonds, Central Divisional Commander, Halifax Regional Police

“The safety of students, alumni and community members is Dalhousie’s highest priority during Homecoming. We want students to have the full and exciting experience of being part of homecoming and other campus events, especially as we are celebrating our bicentennial year. At the same time, we expect our students to uphold our core values, including being a good neighbour in everything that we do. This collaboration with the police, the City of Halifax and DSU is key to promoting neighbourhood safety during Homecoming.”
- Dr. Ivan Joseph, Vice Provost of Student Affairs, Dalhousie University

“The DSU is pleased to be collaborating with Dalhousie University to foster a considerate, safe, and engaging environment for Homecoming 2018. These celebrations are an earmark of what the Dalhousie spirit represents to us: communities harmoniously coming together to make a positive difference. We recognize that central to that is students’ education on harm reduction and their rights and responsibilities as Dal citizens. As the representative voice of all Dalhousie students, we are committed to this awareness, along with providing inclusive and accessible programming designed with student well-being at its core.”
- Aaron Proper, President, Dalhousie Student Union

“As a homeowner in the community around campus, and as the city councillor in that district, I see that the vast majority of students are responsible and respectful. But we won’t tolerate those that are intent on unsafe or illegal behaviours, or damage property. That type of conduct isn’t welcome on our streets.”
- Waye Mason, Councillor, Halifax South Downtown

Media Contacts

Sarah Dawson 

Senior Communications Advisor 


Dalhousie University
sarah.dawson@dal.ca
902-266-7449

Media Relations
Halifax Regional Police
hrpmediarelations@halifax.ca
902-490-5154

Paul Whyte
Communications and Outreach Coordinator
Dalhousie Student Union
dsucomm@dal.ca
902-877-1808