Both Laurier and the University of Guelph are bracing for unsanctioned street gatherings

It'll be a party-like atmosphere in both Waterloo and Guelph this weekend, and police are launching some new tactics to cut down on the unsanctioned chaos.

Laurier's Homecoming means thousands will likely gather on Ezra Avenue, with more than last year's total --- around 14,000 people --- anticipated on the street.

And with that, Regional Police will be utilizing what they are calling "crowd management pods" as a measure to hopefully manage the influx of people.

Shayne Turner, Director of Municipal Enforcement Services with the City of Waterloo, says those 'pods' are essentially fenced in areas with washrooms and garbage cans.

"We hope there won't be large crowds, but history tells us that there's likely to be large crowds on Ezra against our wishes," he says, "But we have to do what is considered to be diligent in terms of controlling what we expect to happen."

Turner notes parties are likely to happen in student residences and homes beyond Ezra, and a large presence of officers will come along with it.

"That gives us the ability to have more staff teams in the neighbourhoods for quicker response, and high visibility," he said.

Around 462 charges were handed out a year ago.

A big focus will be on public nuissance offenses, such as noise and public urination, but officials also anticipate some parking and traffic flow issues.

Turner explains Ezra Avenue and Bricker will be shut down by police "sooner than what normally would happen," though didn't issue a specific time for the closure.

If you are planning on heading down to the university district, keep in mind the recently approved by-law measures in place related to loud music on September 27-29.

A task force is currently looking into more measures to cut down the gatherings, with a final proposal anticipated to be in front of Regional Council in early 2020, to be implemented in a 1-3 year time frame.

Meantime in Guelph, officials there are issuing summons along with each offense handed out, meaning if you get a ticket, you also have to appear in front of a judge.

Last year, Chancellors Way was the hot spot for an unsanctioned gathering, with more than 5,000 people in the area to celebrate the University of Guelph's Homecoming.

More than 200 tickets were issued, while 12 people were arrested.

Both celebrations this year will bring along with it some Saturday afternoon OUA football, as both the Laurier Golden Hawks and Guelph Gryphons have home games.

The Hawks (1-3) look to snap a two-game losing streak, as they host the Queen's Gaels. Laurier has had some extra time to plan, coming off a bye last weekend.

And the Gryphons (3-2) welcome the Ottawa Gee Gees. Guelph is coming off a low-scoring 9-3 loss to OUA-leading Western.

Both games get underway at 1:00 p.m.