With thousands of college and university students beginning to make their return to the Forest City this weekend, London police are launching Project LEARN again.
Now in its 16th year, Project LEARN (Liquor Enforcement and Reduction of Noise) will see increased police patrols around the city, namely downtown and in neighbourhoods around Western University and Fanshawe College.
During the month-long initiative, officers will be on the lookout for things such as nuisance parties, open fires, noise, littering, and public urination. London police said Project LEARN uses a “proactive approach” to engage with the community to ensure public safety.
“Our goal with Project LEARN is to ensure that students know how to keep themselves, their friends, and our community safe while still enjoying this formative time in their lives,” said Insp. Ryan Scrivens. “Education is a key component of this Project, and we look forward to interacting with students to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities and obligations as London residents.”
Around 35,600 undergraduate and graduate students will make return to Western for a new academic year this week. Meanwhile, approximately 21,000 full-time students are enrolled at Fanshawe College’s main campus in London.
Western said it is preparing the final touches to welcome them back, while emphasizing safety, academic success.
“I’m happy to be welcoming all Western students back to London. Students bring a great deal of energy to our city – London is not London without Western. As a Western alum myself, I’m excited to see what this year’s class will accomplish and wish them the best of luck,” said Mayor Josh Morgan.
Some roads on Western University campus will be closed to traffic over the weekend while students move into residences and participate in Orientation Week activites. Details on those closures can be found online.