The Unsanctioned Street Party Task Force has been preparing for anticipated gatherings this weekend, bringing together agencies from across London with a shared focus on keeping students, residents and the community safe. The task force includes representatives from the City of London, the London Police Service, the London Fire Department, Middlesex-London Paramedic Service, Western University and Fanshawe College, with operational support from London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care London.
Getting there On Saturday, September 26, access to Western’s campus from Richmond Street will be closed. Additional road closures may be implemented as needed to address large gatherings and support public safety.
Safety and enforcement First responders and enforcement agencies will be visible and active throughout the weekend in key areas to ensure community safety. Unsanctioned gatherings pose safety risks and may result in fines and/or charges. Fines can be issued for multiple infractions, and the same person can be fined multiple times in one day. Examples of fines include:
- Hosting a nuisance party: $1130
- Attending a nuisance party: $930
- Failing to leave premises: $65
- Using of a closed road: $615
- Make/cause/permit noise likely to disturb inhabitants: $305
- Urinating in a public place: $305
Beyond financial consequences, the top priority remains the safety and well-being of students and the wider community.
Gender-based and sexual violence (GBSV) resources Gender-based and sexual violence (GBSV) can occur anywhere in the community and disproportionately affects women, gender-diverse and trans people. There is zero tolerance for any form of GBSV, including unwanted comments (such as catcalling), inappropriate gestures and unwanted physical contact.
Community members are encouraged to speak up and safely intervene if they witness sexual violence. Learn how to safely intervene and prevent sexual violence by exploring
bystander intervention actions.
Those who experience GBSV can report their experience anonymously through the London Police Service’s
Speak Out website, contact ANOVA’s 24/7 crisis and support line at 519-642-3000 or call 2-1-1 for 24/7 crisis counselling and referrals. Western University students can access additional resources on the
Getting Help After Experiencing GBSV webpageQuotes: “We’re looking forward to welcoming new and returning students to London,” says Amanda Pfeffer, Director, Municipal Compliance, City of London. “While Homecoming is an exciting time for students, we encourage everyone to keep safety, kindness and respect top of mind. Celebrate responsibly, look out for one another, and remember to be respectful of your neighbours and the broader community.”
"Homecoming brings a unique energy and excitement to Western’s campus. As we welcome thousands of alumni for the weekend, we want everyone to celebrate safely and responsibly,” says John Doerksen, Vice-Provost (Students), Western University. “We’re encouraging students to participate in the many sanctioned events happening on campus and to take care of themselves, their friends, and our broader community."
“As Homecoming weekend approaches, we would like to remind everyone to celebrate responsibly,” said Superintendent Bill Berg, of the London Police Service. “There will be an increased police presence in key areas of the city, with a focus on addressing nuisance parties, open alcohol consumption, underage drinking, and public intoxication. As we have in previous years, we will also be supported by additional policing partners to help ensure a safe and coordinated response throughout the weekend. While we encourage everyone to have an enjoyable weekend, we also ask that those in attendance show respect for the city, community members, and one another. Education will continue throughout the weekend; however, enforcement action will be taken when necessary.”
For more information contact: City of London
T: 519-619-4603
E:
media@london.caLondon Police Service
T: 519-661-5410
E:
mediaofficer@londonpolice.caLondon Fire Department
T: 519-661-2489, extension 1870
E:
sbyron@london.ca Middlesex-London Paramedic Service
T: 519-709-3549
E:
pad@mlems.ca St. Joseph’s Health Care London
T: 516-646-6100 (ask for the communicator on call to be paged)
E:
ComDept@sjhc.london.on.caLondon Health Sciences Centre
T: 519-685-8500 ext. 17878
(Communicator on-call)
E:
media@lhsc.on.caFanshawe College
E:
mediainquiries@fanshawec.ca Western University
E:
media@uwo.ca