In what may serve as a message to Western students and others leading up to the so-called Fake Homecoming, four men have each been fined over $1,000 after hosting a party on Broughdale Avenue that attracted hundreds of people.
According to London police, the party was held on Friday, September 6. Officers went to the house on Broughdale Avenue and reported that between 200 and 300 people were there. The four tenants, four men between the ages of 19 and 20, were issued provincial offence notices for violating the City of London's nuisance bylaw. They were each fined $1,000 plus a $130 surcharge.
"The London Police Service would like to remind people that anyone who sponsors, hosts, creates, attends, allows or cause/permit a nuisance party may be charged under this by-law," police said in a news release issued Monday. "The charges may be issued to the owner, occupant, or tenant and could result in a maximum fine of up to $25,000."
Police and officials at Western University are working to try to avoid another massive street party on Broughdale Avenue during what has become known as "FoCo," or the fake homecoming. In April, the university’s board of governors approved an amendment to the school's code of student conduct that extends its jurisdiction to include unsanctioned events that, due to their nature or the number of students involved, become associated with the university. Sanctions for violating the school’s code of conduct range from written warnings to loss of financial assistance to expulsion.
Last year, an estimated 20,000 people packed Broughdale Avenue for the "FoCo" party, causing immense strain on emergency services throughout the city. The cost for policing the unsanctioned event was more than $100,000. The day ended with 134 charges being laid against 132 party-goers, more than 3,100 warnings, and more than 50 people treated at hospital. The London Fire Department also found fire code violations at 30 residences.