Community engagement on street party culture

Large unsanctioned street parties and high-risk party culture, fueled by social media, are a growing issue in communities across the country. In terms of mitigation, there is no short-term fix, nor is there a single solution. This complex issue requires sustained cooperation aimed at addressing the root causes of this growing trend and finding alternative ways for students to feel connected to each other and their community. 

In 2022, Dalhousie and partners embarked on a multi-stakeholder collaborative framework to address unsanctioned street parties in our shared neighbourhood. This framework was specifically designed to bring forward multiple stakeholders from different sectors to develop a common agenda for solving a specific social problem. To support this work, Dalhousie worked with Inspiring Communities, a not-for-profit organization based in Nova Scotia that works to build collaborative relationships for social change in Atlantic Canada.

The work produced by Inspiring Communities highlights the strengths and potential roles of various stakeholders involved in addressing this issue, themes for actions, and some suggestions on how a collaborative network can be organized in a more coordinated, effective manner.

We are pleased to report that much of this important work is underway as we seek to strengthen coordination and response to unsanctioned street gatherings, build a more engaged and vibrant campus culture, and steward community connections in our shared neighbourhood.

Reports

Two reports have been produced to date. Both available for download here.

Report 1: Inspiring Communities' Report on Addressing Street Party Culture at Dalhousie University from September 2022.

Report 2: Inspiring Communities’ Report on December Convening from March 2023.

Larch and Jennings placemaking mural

Some of the prominent themes of the multi-stakeholder collaborative conversations were the ways that we can support stronger community connections, belonging and a sense of shared responsibility.

Dalhousie supported and helped to fund a community-led ground-oriented mural at the intersection of Jennings and Larch streets in Fall 2023, called the Paint the Street Placemaking Project. To bring this to life, the core team attended placemaking sessions with HRM and worked with artist Tayla Fern Paul to hold discussions with the community about how the design can promote the themes of community connection, responsibility, and well-being.

On September 23, 2023, Larch and Jennings streets were closed and the colourful street art was painted by residents under the guidance of Paul. The day was also marked with a celebration where the community spent time together while enjoying food and entertainment.

Response and mitigation

On campus, Dalhousie has an integrated response team to address and mitigate the physical, medical, psychological, and sexualized violence harms of unsanctioned street parties. This is done through partnership and information-sharing with emergency services.

Our operational response includes increased Dal Security throughout campus as well as enhanced security measures, training, and student leaders in residences. We also coordinate with Dalhousie Medical Campus Response Team to provide support for student safety on weekends in residence, and around campus during high-risk events.

Harm reduction

We continue to invest in significant harm-reduction programming on campus. A new harm reduction approach Dalhousie is taking this fall is the launch of the Dal Care Hubs. The Care Hubs will provide students with a safe, non-judgemental, and supportive hub during move-in weekend, large orientation activities, and key events throughout the fall.

Situated next to the Studley Quad in Halifax, the Care Hub is a friendly and approachable on-campus space which will include services such as free snacks and water, the Dal Medical Campus Response Team (DMCRT), health promotion resources, and Ask Me! booths to assist with wayfinding and questions. The Care Hubs will be managed by trained staff and volunteers, and will work with partners like Dal Security, Student Health & Wellness, and first responders, as needed.

Student education

We continue to ensure students are aware of the potential risks and consequences of participating in illegal and destructive behaviours, through robust communications directly to them. We have refreshed and amplified good neighbour/community member educational content through new strategies, programming, and expanded channels. This includes formal memos to students, Dal Mobile content, New to Dal learning modules on good citizenship and the Code of Student Conduct, postcard campaigns, Community Calendar, and Family and Friends-specific communication and programming that emphasize student support systems. With feedback heard through student engagement, we will be targeting more of this outreach directly through our faculties this fall.

For more information about Unsanctioned Street Parties and Dal’s approach to student behavior off-campus, please see our FAQs.