Good Neighbour Manual

Good Neighbour Manual

The City of London . . . It's our home!

INTRODUCTION
The City of London is an excellent place to live, work, study and play. As residents, we can be proud of the character and beauty of the city, including the pleasant and attractive neighbourhoods. We are all entitled to the continued enjoyment of our neighbourhoods, but we also have responsibilities and obligations. Students have traditionally made a significant contribution to the City. Through various activities they have helped with charities, social organizations (i.e. blood donor clinics, Big Brother/Sister, etc.), and have generally added to the vitality of London. However, in recent years some students have not lived up to their responsibilities. If small portions of the student population do not take their responsibilities seriously, then a negative stereotype of a student may be created. The result of this stereotype , that permanent residents view students in general as a major problem, is neither desired nor beneficial to anyone involved. Responsible behaviour on the part of all residents can only have a positive effect on the student/city relationship in London. Students, like all citizens, should respect the laws and act as they would like people to act in their own family neighbourhood. Good actions by students ensure housing opportunities and good standards of housing for Western/Fanshawe students. Take the time to meet your neighbours and get to know them.

NOISE AND PARTIES
You should be aware of the possible consequences to yourself and guests if you have a party and it becomes large and unruly. The Police have laid charges against individuals hosting large parties. These incidents attract the attention of the media and if it is reported, create negative stereotype of the students. By avoiding such incidents, students enhance the reputation of Western/Fanshawe and London.

NOISE BYLAW
The noise bylaw (in effect 24 hours a day) is designed to reduce and control unnecessary noise which can be a nuisance and disturb the peacefulness of the neighbourhood. An individual can be charged under this bylaw if the sound or noise from a stereo, sound equipment, musical or sound producing instruments, or other such devices is operated in a manner or with sufficient volume to annoy or disturb the peace and quiet comfort of any individual in any dwelling. A person convicted usually is fined approximately $100, but can be fined up to $2000 for each offence.

Note that the police can, and have, laid multiple charges against roommates for the same party, even though only one roommate was responsible for the party. If you plan to have a party, consult your neighbours.

STREET BEHAVIOUR
Parties are not the only noise that can disturb a neighbourhood. Noise at any time of the day (not just the night) is illegal if it constitutes a nuisance to any one of your neighbours. In your own interests, be considerate. On-going noise is often more of a problem than the occasional party. Please refrain from singing, chanting, yelling or other activities late at night. Please try to avoid sounding your horn late at night when saying goodnight to friends. It is also helpful to use the many parks to play catch or football rather than the street or sidewalk.

If you are at a party where the police do arrive, it is possible that you could be charged. The Criminal Code defines unlawful assembly as an assembly of three or more people who, with the intent of carrying out a common purpose, meet in a manner or conduct themselves when together to cause people in the neighbourhood of the assembly to fear that they will disturb the peace tumultuously.

Everyone commits mischief who wilfully destroys or damages property or interferes with the lawful use and enjoyment of property.

Essentially this means that destroying or damaging other people's lawns, gardens, lawn furniture etc. is grounds for charges which can bring about a Criminal Record. Remember, private property is private. Please use the public sidewalks to reach your destination.