Unsanctioned Street Party Task Force prioritizing safety

Leaders from the City of London, its first responder services, Western University and the University Students’ Council are encouraging anyone planning on attending large unsanctioned street gatherings this weekend to act responsibly, be respectful, take care of each other and keep safety and well-being top-of-mind.

For several years, late September has been synonymous with large parties in London. Members of the city-wide Unsanctioned Street Parties Task Force have been working for months to plan for Saturday’s anticipated street gathering. This task force brings together agencies from across London with a shared concern for the safety of those who attend and participate in large unsanctioned gatherings and with a shared responsibility for the safety of the community overall.

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

First responders and enforcement agencies will be prepared to support community safety and well-being in the event there is a gathering. Members of the City’s Municipal By-Law Enforcement Officers, London Police Service, London Fire Department and Middlesex-London Paramedic Service will be visible and working together to protect our community this weekend. All three of London Health Sciences Centre’s hospital emergency departments, which include Victoria Hospital, Children’s Hospital and University Hospital, have made plans to have additional staff on hand and dedicated overflow spaces to assist with the possibility of higher patient volumes.

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

Fines include:

• Attend a nuisance party: $800
• Fail to leave premises: $750
• Use of a closed road: $500
• Urinate in a public place: $250

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

Gender-based and sexual violence (GBSV) happens everywhere in our community; and the majority of GBSV is experienced by women, gender diverse and trans individuals. Community leaders want to be clear that there is zero tolerance for any and all forms of GBSV. Unsanctioned parties and alcohol consumption are never an excuse to harm someone else. This includes unwanted comments, catcalling, unwanted touch, inappropriate gestures, groping, grabbing, and sexual assault. Community leaders are urging anyone planning to attend to speak up and step in when they witness sexual violence. If you, or someone you know experiences GBSV, please know that you may disclose your experience without talking to police, describing what happened in detail, or even sharing your name through the Map My Experience website.

The safety of all first responders and ensuring that they are able to attend to emerging situations is also a concern. In the past, there have been numerous injuries, ranging from minor to some that required transport to hospital, as well as other behaviours that put individual well-being at risk. It’s critical that emergency personnel are able to reach individuals who may need help.

Quotes:

“Students are an important part of our community. When they are here, they are home. As a part of our community, everyone has a responsibility to take good care – of themselves, of each other, and of our city. I know you are excited to be here and want to be social and celebrate, and we just ask that you do so safely and respectfully.” – Mayor Josh Morgan

“Western is committed to providing students with a safe, respectful and supportive campus environment. We want students to have fun, but we also want them to be safe. We recognize the safety and well-being of our community is a shared responsibility and we are encouraging students to be respectful, take care of themselves, each other and this community.” – John Doerksen, Vice-Provost (Students), Western University

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