Community partners continue to work together to ensure safety this weekend

The City of London, local first responder organizations, Western University and the University Students’ Council encourage those planning to attend large unsanctioned street gatherings this weekend to act responsibly, take care of each other and prioritize safety and well-being.

For several years, late September has been synonymous with large parties in London. The city-wide Unsanctioned Street Party Task Force has been preparing for Saturday’s anticipated street gathering, bringing together agencies from across London with a shared concern for public safety.

The task force includes representatives from the City of London, London Police Service, Western University, London Fire Department, Middlesex-London Paramedic Service, Middlesex-London Health Unit and Fanshawe College, with operational support from London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care London. 

First responders and enforcement agencies, including members of Municipal By-Law Enforcement Services, London Police Service, London Fire Department and Middlesex-London Paramedic Service, will be visible and working together to protect our community this weekend. London Health Sciences Centre is prepared to manage potential increases in patient volumes.

Unsanctioned gatherings in large numbers on City streets aren’t just dangerous, they can be costly. Fines can be issued for multiple infractions, and they can be issued multiple times in one day. Fines include:

• Hosting a nuisance party: $1,000
• Attending a nuisance party: $800
• Failing to leave premises: $750
• Using of a closed road: $500
• Make/cause/permit noise likely to disturb inhabitants: $250
• Urinating in a public place: $250

Beyond financial impacts and consequences, the top priority for the task force is the safety and well-being of London’s student population, anyone else who may be considering attending an unsanctioned street party and the community at large. 

Gender-based and sexual violence (GBSV) can occur anywhere in our community, disproportionately affecting women, gender-diverse and trans individuals. There is zero tolerance for any form of GBSV, including unwanted sexual comments, unwanted touching or gestures and grabbing or groping. 

Community leaders urge everyone to speak up and intervene if they witness any form of sexual violence. Learn how to safely intervene and prevent sexual violence by exploring bystander intervention actions. Victims of GBSV can report their experience anonymously through the London Police Service’s Speak Out website or contact ANOVA’s 24/7 crisis and support line at 519-642-3000. Western University students can find additional resources on the Getting Help After Experiencing GBSV webpage. 

Quotes:

“This city would not be what it is without our students and graduates, and we’re proud to support you. As members of the London community, we all have a role in ensuring that our gatherings are safe and enjoyable for everyone. Let's come together to make this weekend memorable for all the right reasons. Please take care of yourself, each other and your community this weekend.” – Mayor Josh Morgan

“At Western, our priority is to create a campus environment where safety, respect and support are at the forefront. Students are encouraged to take part in student-focused Homecoming events on campus; however, it is important they do so safely. As students celebrate this weekend, we are reminding them of their role in keeping themselves, each other and our community safe.” - John Doerksen, Vice-Provost (Students), Western University  

“We know this is an exciting weekend for students and graduates, and our hope is that everyone will celebrate responsibly. The London Police Service, along with our emergency services partners, will have a robust, visible presence this weekend as we strive to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.” – Deputy Chief Scott Guilford, Community Trust and Front Line Operations, London Police Service

For more information, contact: