'It's really our responsibility': students clean up FOCO aftermath

It's what you would expect to see the morning after an unsanctioned street party: flattened beer cases, dampened snack wrappers, empty red drinking cups, pieces of shattered glass and even unused condoms strewn across front lawns and roadways.

The infamous Broughdale Avenue transformed into a sea of purple Saturday when thousands of students celebrated "fake homecoming" — also known as FOCO.

But on Sunday, many student tenants and homeowners along that stretch were seen cleaning up in the morning, with many areas completely cleared out by noon.

"It's really our responsibility," said Sara Pijanowski, who's finishing up her last year at Western University.

"We're the ones throwing the parties, we're the ones causing the chaos, but in the end, we're the ones taking care of the mess," she said.

"We're the ones cleaning it up, talking to our landlords, dealing with any issues. Nothing falls back on the landlord, nothing falls back on the city and it's us doing the cleanup."

'They're super cooperative'

Pijanowski said a lot of tenants are also motivated to clean up to avoid hefty city fines.

After several major student events like homecoming or "fake homecoming," the city sends out municipal law enforcement officers to warn students about city bylaws.

Taylor Chidley was tasked with that job Sunday.

"We're walking around and trying to get the students out, trying to get them to help clean up the property. We want the neighbourhood to look respectful and nicer than what it is right now," she said.

"As long as they're cleaning up their property, that's really all we're hoping for."

Chidley said the city warned students on Sunday. Officers then return on Monday to ensure compliance. Students could face up to $500 in fines.

"They could face inspection fees. They could face fines for untidy properties, debris all over yards and uncontained garbage," she said.

Officers will visit homes that visibly need more tidying up along Broughdale Avenue and the surrounding areas.

Students are expected to clean up the exterior of their homes from any graffiti, garbage and even vulgar signs.

"They're super cooperative. As long as you're respectful to them and explain why you're here and doing your job, then they're great. They're super great," said Chidley.

City officials kept busy

City authorities were kept busy patrolling student-congested streets over the weekend. There were several road closures including on Broughdale Avenue.

Though the numbers haven't been fully released, police said they issued many tickets in relation to liquor licence act offences and other bylaws.

Even the London Fire Department expected to lay up to 300 charges under the Fire Prevention and Protection Act to tenants, landlords and owners.