The annual homecoming celebration at Wilfrid Laurier University will be treated much like the St. Patrick's Day celebrations, according to the school and the city.

"We're putting the same focus of attention on homecoming as we do for St. Patrick's Day," David McMurray, Laurier's vice-president of student affairs, said of the Sept. 29-Oct. 1 festivities.

With an estimated 10,000 students filling Ezra Street last year, it's imperative to have a plan in place to provide oversight and ensure safety for those who choose to party on the street, he said.

"You can't guarantee safety, but you can take steps to make it safer."

McMurray said the density of housing in the area has led to the street gathering issue.

"There was a time years ago where these were family neighbourhoods," said McMurray. "All four directions around the university, the housing is very much associated with the students."

Laurier will hire private security to monitor the street, and it has undertaken an extensive public education campaign to help students make safe choices. Laurier has also informed students that no overnight guests will be allowed in residences for the weekend.

"There is absolutely much more deliberate intentional work being done," said McMurray.

McMurray noted that the street gathering issue is not limited to Laurier. There have been issues in the past at other schools, such as Queen's, Western, McMaster and the University of Guelph.

Following the largest St. Patrick's Day gathering in March, the City of Waterloo struck a task force, partnering mainly with Waterloo Regional Police, to study the issue and find solutions to curtail the large street gatherings.

"It's almost impossible to absolutely control," said McMurray. "Bottom line, that's the focus. Safety and education."

On the enforcement side, Waterloo bylaw officers will issue tickets when necessary and keep an eye on issues such as property standards, according to Shayne Turner, the city's director of municipal enforcement.

Turner said that in the last few years he has seen an increase in street gathering events in the city.

"We're noticing that there is an increased presence in these events," said Turner, adding that social media plays a major factor. He noted that recent weather has been favourable for both homecoming and St. Patrick's Day, which influences turnout.

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To help deliver the safety message to students, police and student leaders will meet them at their doorsteps. A door-knocking campaign will take place Sept. 27, informing students of acceptable conduct and asking them to be both safe and respectful.

Last year, $45,000 was spent to keep enough police and paramedics on Ezra Avenue during the event. Of that, $29,000 was for Waterloo Regional Police and $15,000 was for additional staff hours for Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services.