The beginning of the school year is always the most fun. It’s a time where students don’t have to be scrambling to get their essays and assignments in. Project L.E.A.R.N. has been in effect, but this year students seem to be getting the message.
Project L.E.A.R.N., or Liquor Enforcement and Reduction of Noise, is extra police presence in the downtown area between Western University and Fanshawe College.
Councillor Phil Squire of ward 6
The program affects Councillor Phil Squire’s ward, and he says the program is about building relationships between students and the community early in the year. “It’s a proactive initiative that has been successful. Students have to be aware that the idea that you can just move into a house and have it as party central every night just isn’t going to work.”
Every September brings thousands of new students entering the city for post-secondary, which means the messages need to be repeated, especially when for many students it’s their first time living alone.
Constable Sandasha Bough for London Police reassures that the police and city want students to have fun, it’s just a friendly reminder to do so in a safe and respectable way.
L.E.A.R.N. will carry on until October 1st. This means it will run through what students call ‘FOCO,’ otherwise known as Western’s fake homecoming. Avoid expensive fines and unsatisfied neighbours, review London’s city bylaws to ensure you are being a respectable member of the community.
