Thorold city councillors say just enforcement of unruly student parties in the Juneberry area isn't nearly enough - and several are supporting that Brock crack down on violators with the school's Code of Conduct.
"If you have to call your parents and tell them you have been kicked out for a semester and then have to reapply to get back in, that has a lot of teeth to it," said Coun. Ken Sentance on Tuesday night when the topic came up.
The discussion, which has been held in council before in relation to partying students, was re-ignited after the previous weekend, when neighbours in the Juneberry-area, home to a dense student-population, sounded the alarm over hundreds of students wreaking havoc and partying in the streets.
On Tuesday night, the meeting heard from Coun. Carmen DeRose, who relayed some texts he has received from neighbours since students returned to the area a couple of weekends ago.
“Brawl outside my house at 3 a.m. Someone is threatening to stab someone. Brock security and NRPS drive by without doing anything.”
“Another one,” relayed Carmen DeRose:
“Brawl at 4 a.m. in the streets. Someone had a bottle busted over their head. Blood everywhere, ambulance took him away.
“Excuse the language,” continued DeRose:
“But oral sex being performed in between houses. My kids saw this.”
“People taking their pants down and urinating on my property. A girl, taking her pants off and taking a poo on my front steps.”
The text messages had Coun. Victoria Wilson dropping her chin, and DeRose asking for a formal letter to be issued to the university heads, as well as the chief of police calling for collaboration to stop the incidents, and that Brock covers all additional costs for policing.”
Mayor Terry Ugulini said stakeholders are working together, and that a delegation of officials recently visited student houses to inform them of what is expected.
"Things have improved since. There has been a large number of enforcement and tickets," said Ugulini.
"Brock is paying for extra patrols during these times, so you are aware. I am not against you, I am just saying it is happening."
Councillors argued that enforcement isn't enough.
"We need some help here. We are a community of 18,000 people and an institiution with more people going to it, than actually live here," said Coun. Anthony Longo.
"We have a big issue."
Councillors Handley, Dekker and Neale also spoke in favor of pushing to ensure that the student code of conduct at Brock will be enforced and possibly lead to consequences to violators.
Council decided to send the letters and await further response.
