HALIFAX -- A number of people have been charged and fined after police responded to complaints of partying, noise and violations of the Liquor Control and Health Protection acts over the homecoming weekend in Wolfville, N.S. -- home of Acadia University.

Const. Jeff Wilson of the Kings District RCMP says a total of 20 people were fined over the weekend in Wolfville. He wouldn't confirm whether the adults were current Acadia University students, but did say they were of "university age."

Police say they responded to a large gathering on Prospect St., in Wolfville on Thursday. Police say more than 30 people had gathered at one property.

Five adults were charged under Section 23(b) of the Emergency Management Act for failing to comply with direction, order or requirement. The five adults were each fined $697.50.

One person is also facing a $352.50 fine for "occupier allowing or permitting activity prohibited by subsection 4(4) in dwelling unit" related to the town's excessive noise bylaw.

On Friday and Saturday, RCMP issued 14 summary offence tickets under the Provincial Liquor Control Act for illegal possession of liquor under Section 78(2).

Three adults also received fines under the Provincial Health Act; two were fined $582.50 under section 23(a) of the Emergency Management Act for failing to comply with the Act and one person was fined $1,000 under Section 71(1)(b) of the Health Protection Act for failing to comply with Part I of Act. 

The administration at Acadia University does not know who exactly was handed a fine, but is reminding students they are bound to the code of conduct wherever they are in Wolfville. 

"The university has not yet had to institute the code of conduct. We will do that, however, if it becomes known to us that a student has been in violation of any of the public health directives," said spokesperson Ian Murray.

Earlier this month, the host of a large party on Bay Street was fined for violating the Emergency Management Act. 

The town's newly-elected mayor says most students are following the rules.

"It is a small number of students at Acadia. It happens five or six times a year at these big events," said Wendy Donovan.

Donovan also says the issue isn't new, but anxieties in the community are high due to the pandemic. 

"I'm concerned that we have not been able to, to this point, to get on top of this and I say to this point, I think has been going on long before you or I were born," she said.

For now, Donovan is hoping for a quiet end to the semester.