Homecoming parties in London, Ont. were calm, but more data still forthcoming

Police say the "unsanctioned student event on Broughdale Avenue and surrounding streets" drew an estimated 2,000 people at its height on Saturday.

For most of Saturday, unsanctioned street parties surrounding Western University’s Homecoming were much calmer than what’s been seen in London, Ont., before the COVID-19 pandemic, but officials say they’re lacking data on what took place in the evening.

In an update shared on Monday afternoon, police say the “unsanctioned student event on Broughdale Avenue and surrounding streets” drew an estimated 2,000 people at its height on Saturday, which makes up only a fraction of the 25,000 people seen in 2019.

“While there were no major incidents to report, the event was a significant strain on emergency services,” police added.

In a summary of activity from the day, police say 20 provincial offence act notices were issued under the Liquor License Act and dozens of fines were issued or are being processed for a variety of reasons.

The majority of the fines stem from parking violations, with 66 tickets doled out and three vehicles towed. Twelve fines were issued for either noise, attending a public nuisance party, using a closed street or public urination. Three fines were also issued under the public nuisance by-law for people being on roofs.

Only one person was arrested, but they were warned and released without charges, and police say no criminal charges were laid throughout the day. Local paramedics responded to seven calls and two people were transported to hospital.

However, police noted that the summary of activity only covers what took place between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday.

“Police are aware that there were a number of additional large gatherings throughout the evening, and the statistics in relation to enforcement at those gatherings are not currently available,” police said.