Western Homecoming celebrations on Broughdale Ave., September 21, 2014. Photo courtesy of London Police Service. Western Homecoming celebrations on Broughdale Ave., September 21, 2014. Photo courtesy of London Police Service.
London

Steer Clear Of 'Fake' Homecoming

London police are telling Western students who plan on attending a "fake homecoming" party in the north-end to make other weekend arrangements.

The bash is expected to be held on Broughdale Ave. starting around 1pm on Saturday.

Officers will flood the area to keep an eye on the unsanctioned event, should it materialize. Police say they are concerned for the safety of not only those who attend, but also other people who live on the dead-end street.

"In the past, there were so many people on the street that emergency crews were unable to get to those that needed immediate assistance, putting everyone in danger," police said in a statement issued Wedneday.

Nearly 5,000 people have indicated through the Facebook group, The Real Western Homecoming:2017, that they will be in attendance. Another 3,000 have expressed an interest in attending.

The group states on its page that it is continuing a "school tradition" by holding the festivities in September.

Western officials have pushed the annual Homecoming celebrations to October 19 to 21 for a second year in a row. The move is meant to curb rowdy student partying as October brings cooler weather and mid-terms which deter street parties.

Western also issued a statement Wednesday strongly advising students to steer clear of the Broughdale Ave. event.

"University is a time of learning, including what it means to be a good citizen in a community. Taking part in an event which may constitute blocking a public road and jeopardizing safety is totally contrary to what is expected of Western students," said University President Amit Chakma.

The statement goes on to warn that students who get into trouble during the party could be punished under the university's Code of Student Conduct.

Roughly 10,000 people attended a massive, unsanctioned street party on Broughdale Ave. during Homecoming in 2015. The celebration attracted not only Western students, but bus loads from other universities and high school students. Over a dozen ambulances were called to the street that day, including one for a party-goer who became impaled on a fence.

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