Community partners unite to promote safe celebrations this weekend

The City of London, local first responders and Western University are reminding those celebrating this weekend to prioritize safety and well-being, look out for one another and avoid large unsanctioned street gatherings, which pose safety risks.

The Unsanctioned Street Party T ask Force has been preparing for anticipated gatherings taking place this weekend, bringing together agencies across London with a shared focus on public safety. 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.

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 webpage.

Quotes

“The return of the school year here in London is always an exciting time. Students are an integral part of what makes our city so special, and I want to welcome everyone who is looking forward to joining our community and calling our city home,” said Mayor Josh Morgan. “Of course, community means caring for one another, showing respect for neighbours and taking pride in where you live. I know you're ready to celebrate, meet new people and get to know London better, so please be considerate, do so safely, and enjoy the coming weeks responsibly.”

"Western is always focused on supporting a safe and respectful campus environment,” says Stephanie Hayne Beatty, Acting Vice-Provost (Students), Western University. “There are a number of student-focused Homecoming events taking place on our campus and we are encouraging our students to take part in these sanctioned festivities. We are also reminding them to celebrate safely this weekend, taking care of themselves, each other and our community.”

“As Homecoming weekend approaches, we would like to remind students to celebrate responsibly,” said Acting Superintendent Dave Pratt of the London Police Service, Uniformed Division. “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. While we encourage everyone to have an enjoyable weekend, we also ask that students show respect for the city, community members, and one another. Education will continue throughout the weekend; however, enforcement action will be taken when necessary.”