Police have released the numbers for homecoming 2024. A total of 15,000 students and friends of students attended the street party during its peak on Saturday. That number went down to about half on Sunday. During the weekend gathering 24 charges related to alcohol were made and one criminal code charge was made for an assault on police. This year the event saw 39 people sent to hospital by paramedic services. This is the most that have ever been sent to hospital since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. Before this year HOCO had anywhere from 28 to 32 people sent to hospital.
On Saturday Sept. 28 Western’s Mustangs took down Queens’ Gaels 39-14 during the homecoming game. However, the celebrations were only beginning. As the streets near the Broughdale neighbourhood started to fill up. Broughdale Avenue was completely closed for the weekend and parts of Huron Street had party goers as well. Some people came over from Vaughn and Toronto among other cities just for HOCO.
“Yeah, I am excited to see all my friends and like dance and like talk with all of them. I’m excited to party I think it’s going to be like really fun and just get to see everyone so yeah” says one student.
Many students and people attending the homecoming parties noticed that there was a higher police presence during this year’s celebrations compared to others. Although some other people didn’t see the difference and thought it was about the same amount of police as other years.
“On our end we still have the same communication throughout the city, so we’re working with paramedic services, fire, city of London by-law, all of the hospitals as well as the university and the college with respect to communication about any unsanctioned gatherings.” says sergeant Bough.
Source: XFM/Daniel Hernandez
Not all officers at the party are police or even with LPS. A good amount simply does security, and others are paramedics and fire as well as other agencies to make sure everyone can stay as safe as possible during the celebrations.
“Honestly, I think it hasn’t spiked yet this year so far. I mean we’re definitely expecting it too. It might be because of the weather. We have heard from some people it might be because there is a bit of a heavier police presence here” says one Western student. Another student goes on to say “We were talking to some police, and they were saying that the energy is a bit different this year. In a more energetic way, so we are expecting something to happen we just don’t know when.”
Homecoming is a once-a-year celebration that happens in London, Ontario. Many come from other parts of the province just for the party weekend. The event is known for holding big crowds in the street and many incidents occur every year. However, most people enjoy their time even if it’s their last HOCO or first. Western University Students express their feelings for this year’s party.
A freshman at Western from Toronto has this to say, “I don’t know, I don’t know what to expect I think its going to be good though, but I don’t know.”
“Just having a good day with my friends and yeah, we’ll make it a good last year.” adds one Western University graduating student.
