London police say about 15,000 people attended unsanctioned gatherings across the city on Homecoming weekend, resulting in 248 penalties and three arrests. The London Police Service worked with the City of London’s emergency management team and community partners to respond to gatherings in several areas, including Broughdale Avenue, Huron Street, Richmond Street and Mill Street. About 5,000 people remained into Saturday evening, prompting traffic measures to support public safety, including closures on Broughdale Avenue and Huron Street and lane reductions on Richmond Street. “Most young adults we encountered cooperated with emergency services and partner agencies,” said London police Supt. Bill Berg. He said downtown bars reached capacity and sidewalks remained busy. At times, people moved onto roadways, disrupting traffic, and officers responded to maintain public safety. Enforcement teams from London police, the city’s municipal compliance division and London fire inspectors were deployed before and throughout the weekend. They issued 248 administrative monetary penalties and provincial offence notices for public nuisance parties, liquor-related offences, excessive noise and parking violations. Police also made three arrests for public intoxication. Officers issued multiple verbal warnings while managing crowds and helping maintain public safety for attendees, community members and emergency personnel. The Middlesex-London Paramedic Service reported 23 calls for service and 14 patient transports related to Saturday’s gatherings.
