University of Guelph investigating large weekend parties on campus

KITCHENER -

The University of Guelph says it’s investigating large weekend parties on campus that resulted in damage to one of its student residences.

The school also warns that there could be consequences for any student who was involved.

On Monday, the university confirmed tickets had been issued in relation to the gather.

"The U of G Campus Safety Office issued four tickets for open alcohol," a spokesperson for the University of Guelph said in an emailed statement. "However, the situation is still under investigating so further charges may result."

CTV News Kitchener spoke to several students who saw what happened Friday and Saturday night.

They described shopping cart races where several people were injured, and witnessing someone climbing an eaves trough on one of the residences.

"The University condemns the behaviour that resulted in minor damage to the exterior of one of our residence buildings," the school's statement continued. "The actions that led to this damage are inconsistent with the values of the University and the vast majority of our students. If U of G students are involved, we will enforce the University’s Non-Academic Student Code of Conduct."

It’s not known how many people attended these parties.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, outdoor gathering limits in Ontario have been capped at 100 people.

University of Guelph officials said they are "being proactive in ensuring a safe campus," adding extra security guards and residence staff are in place.

Officials have also added extra campus security officers and paid duty officers from Guelph police.

"Anyone with information about the gathering is asked to contact our Campus Safety Office or Crimestoppers," the university said.

Similar parties have also taken place recently at other Ontario universities.

Over the Labour Day weekend there were two large gatherings at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo.

Police told CTV News they broke up a crowd of about 1,000 people on Ezra Avenue.

Large parties have also taken place at Western University in London and Queen’s University in Kingston.

-- With reporting by Krista Sharpe