Hoping the return of HOCO will take the edge off FOCO
Western University has returned Homecoming to its traditional late September time frame — the move comes after years of what has become FOCO, a fake Homecoming weekend launched by students and geared specifically to partying.
Western officials are hoping to put the emphasis back on university pride.
It's a message student Madeline Stanton is taking to heart, telling CTV News London on Saturday, "Just control your alcohol intake is all I would say. It kind of pushes people to do a little bit of stupid stuff but just don't be dumb. It's a very prestigious school. We have a lot of hard work to do."
The university has been working to put more focus on on-campus activities, like the Homecoming football game, with the Western Mustangs going up against the Waterloo Warriors in an afternoon tilt — the game was sold out.
Police and other emergency services are on standby as Western University students celebrate Homecoming weekend in London, Ont. on September 24, 2022. (Gerry Dewan/CTV News London)
There were numerous social medial posts from last year’s FOCO of people jumping from utility poles into crowds below.
Last year, the rain started early but it cleared late in the day as parties raged on. More than 30 people were taken to hospital, six with serious or critical injuries.
The weather dynamic has been very different this year with sun in the morning and clouds building in and rain expected through the evening.
Still, there were a number of parties taking place on streets branching off Richmond Street, near the university. At one point, police closed Richmond Street to southbound traffic, and late in the afternoon closed off Richmond to vehicle traffic entirely.
It was all hands on deck by the noon hour on Broughdale Avenue — where partiers have traditionally gathered — with police, firefighters and paramedics patrolling the street.
Const. Sandasha Bough of the London Police Service says police had addition hands, as well.
Police and other emergency services are on standby as Western University students celebrate Homecoming weekend in London, Ont. on September 24, 2022. (Gerry Dewan/CTV News London)
"We have a number of officers here from London as well as York Regional Police and Hamilton, just in order to ensure that everybody remains but we're able to provide service to the rest of the city as well,” she says.
They’ve also taken steps improve access to Broughdale Avenue in the event of an emergency.
"If we need to get an emergency vehicle into someone we need to ensure we’re able to access the roadway,” she adds. “A number of barriers have been put in place today. The roads have been closed for that very reason."
As for the students, they hope people allow them to blow off some steam as they head into another school year.
Thomas Rea is one of the students out partying, telling CTV News London, "I think it's a great day of the year. Another day to drink, have fun with our friends and celebrate, and then get back to the books tomorrow."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
Baby boom amongst nurses leads to maternity ward closure in Listowel, Ont.
The emergency room at Listowel’s hospital is open today, but come summer, their obstetrics unit will be temporarily closing its delivery rooms.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Quebec judge orders bus driver to stand trial for 2023 daycare crash deaths
A judge has ordered a Quebec man to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of two children killed when a bus rammed into a Montreal-area daycare last year.