Western, city and health officials call for calm homecoming
A letter to students at Western University sent on behalf of President and Vice-Chancellor Alan Shepard Wednesday, asks them to avoid unsanctioned parties this homecoming weekend to help improve safety.
It follows a rally on Friday that drew thousands calling for better safety on campus after unconfirmed reports that a number of women were drugged and sexually assaulted on campus.
"You are demanding more safety and security on our campus. You're calling for big changes in Western's culture," Shepard wrote in regard to addressing sexual and gender-based violence and overall safety within their campus.
But as the community braces for Saturday's potential homecoming parties, Shepard warns students to do their part for safety on campus by choosing to avoid highly dangerous events -- stating the potential for injury and violence is real.
"We are working with our public health and safety partners to protect our community from the high risks that come with large unsanctioned parties. Those risks are compounded right now by the threat of COVID-19."
During a media briefing Thursday, London Mayor Ed Holder added his voice to the call for calm.
"I'm imploring students to avoid Broughdale this weekend, it's simply not worth it. All the usual precautions are being put in place including a significant response from law enforcement and Section 22 orders."
Besides the rules in effect under the provincial Reopening Act, the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) announced a Section 22 order earlier this week that took effect at noon Thursday, allowing for larger fines to be handed out to partygoers including $750 - $5,000 or higher for those hosting parties.
Holder added, "I am absolutely terribly concerned that another student is going to get hurt or worse, and I think Western, in just a few short weeks, has been through enough already."
The mayor said there are detailed safety plans in place that include a number of community partners.
"What you will see is signficant law enforcement present in the Broughdale area, you'll see our paramedic services teams there that will be on hand to support as needed, and I'd like to add that police won't hesitate to administer fines as they did earlier thise week dealing with unsanctioned parties"
You can find details on Western’s action plan on sexual violence here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Australian police arrest 7 alleged teen extremists linked to stabbing of a bishop in a Sydney church
Australian police arrested seven teenagers accused of following a violent extremist ideology in raids across Sydney on Wednesday, as a judge extended a ban on social media platform X sharing video of a knife attack on a bishop that started the criminal investigation.