Dozens of students from Western University are making sure Broughdale Avenue is looking as good as new after Fake Homecoming celebrations crowded the street on Saturday.
On Sunday morning, students could be seen in full force cleaning up what was left of FoCo, an unsanctioned street party originally organized by Western students in 2016 as a way to rebel against their school moving its official Homecoming event from late September to mid-October.
The cleanup was organized by Western Univerity's student council. Council President Bardia Jalayer said once the fun was over on Saturday, it was important for the group to come back the following day and show their respect to the neighbourhood.
"I think it's a really good show of faith," he said. "Students at the end of the day, we don't want to be a nuisance to this community. We're part of this community and we want to be good neighbours. While a lot of students did have a good time celebrating purple pride [on Saturday], it's good to come out and show a little responsibility for it."
Ward 6 Councillor Phil Squire was also on hand for the cleanup Sunday morning explaining that it's been somewhat of a tradition for him to do so.
"I think it's really important. I try to come every year," said Squire. "I like coming out, talking to the student leadership. They get out early in the morning and take the responsibility of cleaning up what's left of Broughdale. I think it's terrific."
Despite there being an estimated 20,000 people on the street less than 24-hours beforehand, Squire said when the group arrived, the area was in relatively good shape.
"When we got here in the morning it was actually fairly clean. So we're just getting sort of what's left," Squire explained. "Once you get into the night there's actually a lot of people who collect bottles and cans, they'll take care of a lot of stuff. We have a street sweeper come out and we're the last sort of group that comes out. I know it sounds strange but it's fun for us."
People began to crowd the streets for FoCo Saturday morning. By Saturday evening, a large majority of the crowd had began to clear out. Police said around 19 people were transported to the hospital and 50 were seen by EMS however, no major incidents were reported during the event.
-With files from Rene Dunkley and Miranda Chant
