Wilfrid Laurier University will pay $24,400 to Waterloo regional police (WRPS) to offset the cost of this year's homecoming, according to a letter that went before the police services board Wednesday.

That's less than a fifth of what the autumn event cost police this year. Policing the homecoming cost $180,000 in 2019, and the combined pricetag of that event and the St. Patrick's Day unlicensed street party totalled $465,000.

"The WRPS, WLU and all stakeholders continue to actively examine the totality of economic impact of unsanctioned gatherings as well as an enhanced approach to addressing the financial implications," wrote chief Bryan Larkin in the letter, addressed to board chair Karen Redman.

Larkin said Waterloo regional police is co-leading a task force on unsanctioned gatherings with the city of Waterloo.